Chapter 14Chapter 14

The PresidencyThe Presidency

I.I. Presidents and prime ministersPresidents and prime ministers A.A. Characteristics of parliamentsCharacteristics of parliaments

• 1.1. Chief executive is the prime minister, Chief executive is the prime minister, chosen by the legislature.chosen by the legislature.

• 2.2. Parliamentary system, with a prime Parliamentary system, with a prime minister as the chief executive, is more minister as the chief executive, is more common than is a federal system with elected common than is a federal system with elected president as chief executive.president as chief executive.

• 3.3. Prime minister chooses the cabinet Prime minister chooses the cabinet ministers from among the members of ministers from among the members of parliament.parliament.

• 4.4. Prime minister remains in power as long Prime minister remains in power as long as his or her party or coalition maintains a as his or her party or coalition maintains a majority in the legislature.majority in the legislature.

I.I. Presidents and prime ministers Presidents and prime ministers (cont.) (cont.)

B.B. Differences between the chief executives in presidential and Differences between the chief executives in presidential and parliamentary systemsparliamentary systems• 1.1. Presidents may be outsiders; prime ministers are always Presidents may be outsiders; prime ministers are always

insiders, chosen by the members of the majority party in parliament.insiders, chosen by the members of the majority party in parliament.• 2.2. Incumbent members of Congress cannot simultaneously serve Incumbent members of Congress cannot simultaneously serve

in a president’s cabinet; members of parliament are eligible to serve in in a president’s cabinet; members of parliament are eligible to serve in the prime minister’s cabinet, and ministers are almost always chosen the prime minister’s cabinet, and ministers are almost always chosen from their ranks.from their ranks.

• 3.3. Presidents have no guaranteed majority in the legislature; Presidents have no guaranteed majority in the legislature; prime ministers always have a majority.prime ministers always have a majority.

• 4.4. Presidents and the Congress often work at cross purposes:Presidents and the Congress often work at cross purposes: a)a) Even when one party controls both branchesEven when one party controls both branches b)b) A consequence of separation of powers, which fosters A consequence of separation of powers, which fosters

conflict between the branchesconflict between the branches c)c) Only Franklin Roosevelt and Johnson had (briefly) Only Franklin Roosevelt and Johnson had (briefly)

constructive relations with Congressconstructive relations with Congress• 5.5. Presidents and prime ministers at war highlight differences in Presidents and prime ministers at war highlight differences in

political position.political position. a)a) George W. Bush’s decision to fight invited debate in George W. Bush’s decision to fight invited debate in

Congress even though his party controlled both houses; however, no Congress even though his party controlled both houses; however, no meaningful resistance in the British Parliament when Tony Blair announced meaningful resistance in the British Parliament when Tony Blair announced his decision to fighthis decision to fight

b)b) Bush’s decision to fight was undeterred by low opinion Bush’s decision to fight was undeterred by low opinion ratings, but when public opinion turned against Blair, he announced he would ratings, but when public opinion turned against Blair, he announced he would resign from office.resign from office.

I.I. Presidents and prime ministers Presidents and prime ministers (cont.)(cont.)

C.C. Divided governmentDivided government• 1.1. Occurs when one party controls the White House Occurs when one party controls the White House

and another controls one or both houses of Congressand another controls one or both houses of Congress• 2.2. A recurring phenomenon in American A recurring phenomenon in American

governmentgovernment• 3.3. Many people think divided government produces Many people think divided government produces

gridlock.gridlock. D.D. Does gridlock matter?Does gridlock matter?

• 1.1. Divided government does about as well as unified Divided government does about as well as unified government in passing laws, conducting investigations, government in passing laws, conducting investigations, and ratifying treaties. and ratifying treaties.

• 2.2. Parties themselves are ideologically diverse, Parties themselves are ideologically diverse, leading to policy disagreements.leading to policy disagreements.

• 3.3. Unified government actually requires the same Unified government actually requires the same ideological wing of the party to control both branches of ideological wing of the party to control both branches of government.government.

I.I. Presidents and prime ministers Presidents and prime ministers (cont.)(cont.)

E.E. Is policy gridlock bad?Is policy gridlock bad?• 1.1. Everybody has an interest in some Everybody has an interest in some

degree of policy gridlock.degree of policy gridlock.• 2.2. Divided government may result Divided government may result

from intentional split-ticket voting from intentional split-ticket voting practices.practices.

• 3.3. Necessary consequence of Necessary consequence of representative democracyrepresentative democracy

II.II. The evolution of the presidencyThe evolution of the presidency A.A. Delegates feared both anarchy and monarchy.Delegates feared both anarchy and monarchy. B.B. Concerns of the FoundersConcerns of the Founders

• 1.1. Fear of the military power of the president, who could Fear of the military power of the president, who could overpower statesoverpower states

• 2.2. Fear of presidential corruption by Senate, because Fear of presidential corruption by Senate, because Senate and president shared treaty-making powerSenate and president shared treaty-making power

• 3.3. Fear of presidential bribery to ensure reelectionFear of presidential bribery to ensure reelection• 4.4. Principal concern was to balance power of legislative Principal concern was to balance power of legislative

and executive branchesand executive branches C.C. The Electoral CollegeThe Electoral College

• 1.1. Each state to devise its own method of selecting Each state to devise its own method of selecting electors.electors.

• 2.2. Electors would meet in their state capital to vote for Electors would meet in their state capital to vote for president and vice president.president and vice president.

• 3.3. If no candidate won a majority, the House would If no candidate won a majority, the House would decide the election.decide the election.

• 4.4. Electoral College ultimately worked differently than Electoral College ultimately worked differently than expected, because Founders did not anticipate the role of expected, because Founders did not anticipate the role of political parties.political parties.

II.II. The evolution of the presidency The evolution of the presidency (cont.)(cont.)

D.D. The president’s term of officeThe president’s term of office• 1.1. Precedent of George Washington and the historical tradition of Precedent of George Washington and the historical tradition of

two termstwo terms• 2.2. Twenty-second Amendment in 1951 limited presidents to two Twenty-second Amendment in 1951 limited presidents to two

termsterms• 3.3. Another problem was establishing the legitimacy of the office.Another problem was establishing the legitimacy of the office.• 4.4. Founders also provided for the orderly transfer of power.Founders also provided for the orderly transfer of power.

E.E. The first presidentsThe first presidents• 1.1. Office was legitimated by men active in independence and Office was legitimated by men active in independence and

Founding politics.Founding politics.• 2.2. Minimal activism of early government mitigated the fear of Minimal activism of early government mitigated the fear of

the presidency.the presidency.• 3.3. Appointed people of stature in the community (rule of Appointed people of stature in the community (rule of

“fitness”)“fitness”)• 4.4. Relations with Congress were reserved: few vetoes; no advice Relations with Congress were reserved: few vetoes; no advice

from Congress to presidentfrom Congress to president F.F. The JacksoniansThe Jacksonians

• 1.1. Jackson believed in a strong and independent president.Jackson believed in a strong and independent president.• 2.2. Vigorous use of veto for constitutional and policy reasons; Vigorous use of veto for constitutional and policy reasons;

none of the vetoes were overriddennone of the vetoes were overridden• 3.3. Demonstrated what a popular president could doDemonstrated what a popular president could do

II.II. The evolution of the presidency The evolution of the presidency (cont.)(cont.)

G.G. The reemergence of Congress (1837–1936) The reemergence of Congress (1837–1936) • 1.1. With brief exceptions, the next century was a With brief exceptions, the next century was a

period of congressional dominance.period of congressional dominance.• 2.2. Intensely divided public opinion—partisanship, Intensely divided public opinion—partisanship,

slavery, sectionalismslavery, sectionalism• 3.3. Only Lincoln expanded presidential power.Only Lincoln expanded presidential power.

a)a) Asserted “implied powers” and the express Asserted “implied powers” and the express authorization of the commander in chiefauthorization of the commander in chief

b)b) Justified actions by emergency conditions Justified actions by emergency conditions created by Civil Warcreated by Civil War

• 4.4. Following Lincoln, Congress again became the Following Lincoln, Congress again became the dominant branch until the New Deal, except for the T. dominant branch until the New Deal, except for the T. Roosevelt and Wilson administrations.Roosevelt and Wilson administrations.

• 5.5. Even today, the popular perception of the Even today, the popular perception of the president as the center of government contradicts the president as the center of government contradicts the reality: Congress is often the policy leader.reality: Congress is often the policy leader.

III.III. The powers of the presidentThe powers of the president A.A. Formal powers found in Article IIFormal powers found in Article II

• 1.1. President can exercise some powers unilaterally, President can exercise some powers unilaterally, whereas others require formal legislative approval.whereas others require formal legislative approval.

• 2.2. Potential for power found in ambiguous clauses of Potential for power found in ambiguous clauses of the Constitution: for example, power as commander in the Constitution: for example, power as commander in chief, duty to “take care that laws be faithfully chief, duty to “take care that laws be faithfully executed” (executive power)executed” (executive power)

B.B. Greatest source of presidential power lies in Greatest source of presidential power lies in politics and public opinion.politics and public opinion.• 1.1. Increase in congressional grants of broad Increase in congressional grants of broad

statutory authority, especially since the 1930sstatutory authority, especially since the 1930s• 2.2. Expectation of presidential leadership from the Expectation of presidential leadership from the

publicpublic

IV.IV. The office of the presidentThe office of the president A.A. President did not have any real staff President did not have any real staff

until 1857.until 1857. B.B. White House staff has grown White House staff has grown

enormously.enormously.• 1.1. President now has large bureaucracy of President now has large bureaucracy of

assistants he has difficulty controlling.assistants he has difficulty controlling.• 2.2. Rule of propinquity: power is wielded by Rule of propinquity: power is wielded by

people who are in the room when a decision is people who are in the room when a decision is made.made.

• 3.3. Presidential appointments can be Presidential appointments can be classified in terms of their physical and political classified in terms of their physical and political proximity to the president.proximity to the president.

IV.IV. The office of the president The office of the president (cont.)(cont.)

C.C. The White House OfficeThe White House Office• 1.1. President’s closest assistantsPresident’s closest assistants• 2.2. Three types of structure, often used in combination to Three types of structure, often used in combination to

compensate for their weaknesses and to capitalize on their compensate for their weaknesses and to capitalize on their strengthsstrengths

a)a) Pyramidal structure: Eisenhower, Nixon, Reagan, Pyramidal structure: Eisenhower, Nixon, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton (late in his administration); most George H.W. Bush, Clinton (late in his administration); most assistants report through hierarchy to chief of staff, who then assistants report through hierarchy to chief of staff, who then reports to president.reports to president.

b)b) Circular structure: Carter (early in his Circular structure: Carter (early in his administration); cabinet secretaries and assistants report directly administration); cabinet secretaries and assistants report directly to presidentto president

c)c) Ad hocAd hoc structure: Clinton (early in his structure: Clinton (early in his administration); task forces, committees, and informal groups deal administration); task forces, committees, and informal groups deal directly with presidentdirectly with president

d)d) Common to mix organizational methodsCommon to mix organizational methods• 3.3. Staff typically have worked on the campaign; a few are Staff typically have worked on the campaign; a few are

experts.experts.• 4.4. Always a great deal of jockeying for physical proximity Always a great deal of jockeying for physical proximity

(office closer to the Oval Office) and access to the president.(office closer to the Oval Office) and access to the president.

IV.IV. The office of the president The office of the president (cont.)(cont.)

D.D. Executive Office of the PresidentExecutive Office of the President• 1.1. Composed of agencies that report directly to the Composed of agencies that report directly to the

presidentpresident• 2.2. Appointments must receive Senate confirmation, Appointments must receive Senate confirmation,

unlike those of White House staff.unlike those of White House staff.• 3.3. Principal agencies in the Executive Office include:Principal agencies in the Executive Office include:

a)a) Office of Management and Budget (OMB)Office of Management and Budget (OMB) b)b) Director of National Intelligence (DNI)Director of National Intelligence (DNI) c)c) Council of Economic Advisors (CEA)Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) d)d) Office of Personnel Management (OPM)Office of Personnel Management (OPM) e)e) Office of the U.S. Trade RepresentativeOffice of the U.S. Trade Representative

• 4.4. Office of Management and Budget, perhaps the Office of Management and Budget, perhaps the most important agency in the EOPmost important agency in the EOP

a)a) Assembles the budgetAssembles the budget b)b) Develops reorganization plansDevelops reorganization plans c)c) Reviews legislative proposals of agenciesReviews legislative proposals of agencies d)d) Has recently become more of a policy Has recently become more of a policy

advocateadvocate

IV.IV. The office of the president The office of the president (cont.)(cont.)

E.E. The cabinet: chief executives (secretaries) of the The cabinet: chief executives (secretaries) of the executive branch departmentsexecutive branch departments• 1.1. Not explicitly mentioned in ConstitutionNot explicitly mentioned in Constitution• 2.2. Presidents have many more appointments to make Presidents have many more appointments to make

than do prime ministers, due to competition created by the than do prime ministers, due to competition created by the separation of powers.separation of powers.

• 3.3. Presidential control over departments remains Presidential control over departments remains uncertain—secretaries become advocates for their uncertain—secretaries become advocates for their departments.departments.

F.F. Independent agencies, commissions, and judgeshipsIndependent agencies, commissions, and judgeships• 1.1. President appoints members of agencies that have a President appoints members of agencies that have a

quasi-independent status.quasi-independent status.• 2.2. “Acting” appointments cause increased legislative-“Acting” appointments cause increased legislative-

executive tensionsexecutive tensions• 3.3. In general, independent agency heads can be removed In general, independent agency heads can be removed

only “for cause” and serve fixed terms.only “for cause” and serve fixed terms.• 4.4. Executive agency heads serve at the president’s Executive agency heads serve at the president’s

pleasure, though their appointments must be confirmed by the pleasure, though their appointments must be confirmed by the Senate.Senate.

• 5.5. Judges can be removed only by impeachment.Judges can be removed only by impeachment.

V.V. Who gets appointedWho gets appointed A.A. President knows few appointees personally.President knows few appointees personally. B.B. Most appointees to the cabinet and Most appointees to the cabinet and

subcabinet have had federal experience.subcabinet have had federal experience.• 1.1. “In-and-outers” alternate federal government and “In-and-outers” alternate federal government and

private-sector jobs.private-sector jobs.• 2.2. Modern tendency is to place experts, rather than Modern tendency is to place experts, rather than

those with political followings, in the cabinet.those with political followings, in the cabinet. C.C. Need to consider politically important Need to consider politically important

groups, regions, and organizations when making groups, regions, and organizations when making appointmentsappointments

D.D. Rivalry often develops between department Rivalry often develops between department heads (who represent expert knowledge) and heads (who represent expert knowledge) and White House staff (who are extensions of White House staff (who are extensions of presidential priorities).presidential priorities).

VI.VI. Presidential characterPresidential character A.A. Eisenhower: orderly, military style; delegation of authority to Eisenhower: orderly, military style; delegation of authority to

trained specialiststrained specialists B.B. Kennedy: bold, articulate, amusing leader; improviser who Kennedy: bold, articulate, amusing leader; improviser who

bypassed traditional lines of authoritybypassed traditional lines of authority C.C. Johnson: master legislative strategist; tended to micromanageJohnson: master legislative strategist; tended to micromanage D.D. Nixon: expert in foreign policy; disliked personal confrontation; Nixon: expert in foreign policy; disliked personal confrontation;

tried to centralize power in the White Housetried to centralize power in the White House E.E. Ford: discussion oriented and genial; decision structures not Ford: discussion oriented and genial; decision structures not

always coherent or organizedalways coherent or organized F.F. Carter: Washington outsider; tended to micromanageCarter: Washington outsider; tended to micromanage G.G. Reagan: set policy priorities and then gave staff wide latitude; Reagan: set policy priorities and then gave staff wide latitude;

leader of public opinionleader of public opinion H.H. George H. W. Bush: hands-on manager, with considerable George H. W. Bush: hands-on manager, with considerable

Washington experienceWashington experience I.I. Clinton: good communicator; pursued liberal/centrist policiesClinton: good communicator; pursued liberal/centrist policies J.J. George W. Bush: tightly run White House; agenda became George W. Bush: tightly run White House; agenda became

dominated by foreign affairs following the 9/11 attacksdominated by foreign affairs following the 9/11 attacks K. Barack Obama: superb communicator; first African-American elected K. Barack Obama: superb communicator; first African-American elected

to the presidency; came to office amid a global economic crisis; has to the presidency; came to office amid a global economic crisis; has proposed the largest federal budget in history, designed to forstall an proposed the largest federal budget in history, designed to forstall an economic depression; has proposed a comprehensive health insurance economic depression; has proposed a comprehensive health insurance programprogram

VII.VII. The power to persuadeThe power to persuade A.A. The president can use the office’s national The president can use the office’s national

constituency and ceremonial duties to enlarge constituency and ceremonial duties to enlarge powers.powers.

B.B. Three audiences for president’s persuasive Three audiences for president’s persuasive powers:powers:• 1.1. Fellow politicians and leaders in Washington, Fellow politicians and leaders in Washington,

D.C.; his reputation is very importantD.C.; his reputation is very important• 2.2. Party activists and officials outside WashingtonParty activists and officials outside Washington• 3.3. Various public audiences with divergent views Various public audiences with divergent views

and interestsand interests a)a) On campaign trail, president speaks boldly On campaign trail, president speaks boldly

about what he will accomplish.about what he will accomplish. b)b) In office, president speaks quietly about In office, president speaks quietly about

problems that he will overcome.problems that he will overcome. c)c) Presidents make fewer impromptu remarks Presidents make fewer impromptu remarks

and rely more on prepared speeches (taking advantage of and rely more on prepared speeches (taking advantage of the bully pulpit).the bully pulpit).

VII.VII. The power to persuade (cont.)The power to persuade (cont.) C.C. Popularity and influencePopularity and influence

• 1.1. Presidents try to transform popularity into Presidents try to transform popularity into congressional support for their programs.congressional support for their programs.

• 2.2. Presidential coattails have had a declining effect for Presidential coattails have had a declining effect for years and are minimal in their influence today.years and are minimal in their influence today.

• 3.3. Congressional elections are relatively insulated from Congressional elections are relatively insulated from presidential elections.presidential elections.

a)a) Weak party loyalty and organizationWeak party loyalty and organization b)b) Congressional members’ own strong relations Congressional members’ own strong relations

with their constituentswith their constituents• 4.4. Still, to avoid the political risks of opposing a popular Still, to avoid the political risks of opposing a popular

president, Congress will pass more of that individual’s president, Congress will pass more of that individual’s legislative proposals.legislative proposals.

• 5.5. Popularity is affected by factors beyond anyone’s Popularity is affected by factors beyond anyone’s control; for example, consider Bush’s approval ratings control; for example, consider Bush’s approval ratings following the 9/11 attacks.following the 9/11 attacks.

D.D. The decline in popularityThe decline in popularity• 1.1. Popularity highest immediately after an election Popularity highest immediately after an election

(honeymoon period)(honeymoon period)• 2.2. Declines by midterm, with president’s party usually Declines by midterm, with president’s party usually

losing congressional seats in the midterm electionslosing congressional seats in the midterm elections

VIII.VIII. The power to say noThe power to say no A.A. VetoVeto

• 1.1. Veto message sent within ten days of the bill’s passageVeto message sent within ten days of the bill’s passage• 2.2. Pocket veto (only before Congress adjourns at the end Pocket veto (only before Congress adjourns at the end

of its second session)of its second session)• 3.3. Congress rarely overrides vetoes.Congress rarely overrides vetoes.• 4.4. President does not hold line-item veto power.President does not hold line-item veto power.

a)a) 1996 reform permitted enhanced rescissions1996 reform permitted enhanced rescissions b)b) Supreme Court ruled this procedure was Supreme Court ruled this procedure was

unconstitutional.unconstitutional. B.B. Executive privilegeExecutive privilege

• 1.1. Confidential communications between president and Confidential communications between president and advisers need not be disclosed.advisers need not be disclosed.

• 2.2. Justification:Justification: a)a) Separation of powersSeparation of powers b)b) Need for candid adviceNeed for candid advice

• 3.3. United States v. Nixon United States v. Nixon (1974) rejected claim of (1974) rejected claim of absolute executive privilegeabsolute executive privilege

• 4.4. Bill Clinton–Paula Jones episode greatly reduced Bill Clinton–Paula Jones episode greatly reduced number of officials with whom president can speak in number of officials with whom president can speak in confidence.confidence.

VIII.VIII.The power to say no (cont.) The power to say no (cont.) C.C. Impoundment of fundsImpoundment of funds

• 1.1. Definition: presidential refusal to spend funds appropriated by Definition: presidential refusal to spend funds appropriated by CongressCongress

• 2.2. Nixon impoundments countered by Budget Reform Act of 1974Nixon impoundments countered by Budget Reform Act of 1974 a)a) Requires president to notify Congress of funds he does not Requires president to notify Congress of funds he does not

intend to spendintend to spend b)b) Congress must agree in forty-five days to delete itemCongress must agree in forty-five days to delete item c)c) Requires president to notify Congress of delays in spendingRequires president to notify Congress of delays in spending d)d) Congress may pass a resolution refusing the delay and Congress may pass a resolution refusing the delay and

requiring the immediate release of funds.requiring the immediate release of funds. D.D. Signing statementsSigning statements

• 1.1. Presidential statement issued at the time the president signs a Presidential statement issued at the time the president signs a bill.bill.

• 2.2. Purposes include:Purposes include: a)a) Express presidential attitudes about the lawExpress presidential attitudes about the law b)b) Communicate to executive branch how law should be Communicate to executive branch how law should be

enforcedenforced c)c) Declare his belief that a portion of the law is Declare his belief that a portion of the law is

unconstitutionalunconstitutional• 3.3. Became common in twentieth centuryBecame common in twentieth century• 4.4. Viewed by Congress as a type of unconstitutional line-item veto Viewed by Congress as a type of unconstitutional line-item veto

that blocks enforcement of the law.that blocks enforcement of the law.• 5.5. Currently allowed by Supreme Court, but Court has not ruled Currently allowed by Supreme Court, but Court has not ruled

directly on the practice.directly on the practice.

IX.IX. The president’s programThe president’s program A.A. Putting together a programPutting together a program

• 1.1. Resources in developing a program include interest Resources in developing a program include interest groups, aides and campaign advisers, federal departments and groups, aides and campaign advisers, federal departments and agencies, and various specialists.agencies, and various specialists.

• 2.2. Alternative approaches to policy formulation:Alternative approaches to policy formulation: a)a) Carter and Clinton: tried to have a policy on Carter and Clinton: tried to have a policy on

everythingeverything b)b) Reagan: concentrated on a small number of Reagan: concentrated on a small number of

initiatives and left everything else to subordinatesinitiatives and left everything else to subordinates• 3.3. Constraints on a president’s programConstraints on a president’s program

a)a) Public and congressional reactionsPublic and congressional reactions b)b) Limited time and attention span of the presidentLimited time and attention span of the president c)c) Unexpected crises, such as the 9/11 attacksUnexpected crises, such as the 9/11 attacks d)d) Programs can be changed only marginally, Programs can be changed only marginally,

because most resources are already committed.because most resources are already committed. e)e) Public-opinion polls Public-opinion polls

• 4.4. Presidential approach may be influenced by opinion Presidential approach may be influenced by opinion polling.polling.

a)a) Trustee model: do what the public good requires, Trustee model: do what the public good requires, regardless of popular opinion regardless of popular opinion

b)b) Delegate model: do what your constituents want Delegate model: do what your constituents want you to doyou to do

IX.IX. The president’s program (cont.)The president’s program (cont.) B.B. Attempts to reorganize Attempts to reorganize

• 1.1. Almost every president since 1928 has Almost every president since 1928 has proposed reorganization.proposed reorganization.

a)a) Reorganization: changing the structure Reorganization: changing the structure of the staff, departments, and agencies that are of the staff, departments, and agencies that are subordinate to the executivesubordinate to the executive

b)b) Bush’s reorganization to accommodate Bush’s reorganization to accommodate the new Department of Homeland Security is an the new Department of Homeland Security is an example of long-standing practice.example of long-standing practice.

• 2.2. Reasons for reorganizingReasons for reorganizing a)a) Large number of agenciesLarge number of agencies b)b) Easier to change policy through Easier to change policy through

reorganization than by abolishing an old program or reorganization than by abolishing an old program or agencyagency

• 3.3. Reorganization outside the White House Reorganization outside the White House staff must be congressionally approved staff must be congressionally approved

X.X. Presidential transitionPresidential transition A.A. Only fourteen of forty-one presidents Only fourteen of forty-one presidents

have served two full terms have served two full terms B.B. The vice presidentThe vice president

• 1.1. Eight vice presidents have succeeded to Eight vice presidents have succeeded to office on president’s deathoffice on president’s death

• 2.2. Prior to 2000, only five vice presidents Prior to 2000, only five vice presidents won the presidency in an election without won the presidency in an election without having first entered the office as a result of the having first entered the office as a result of the president’s death.president’s death.

• 3.3. “A rather empty job”“A rather empty job” a)a) Vice president presides over Senate Vice president presides over Senate

and votes in case of tie.and votes in case of tie. b)b) Leadership powers in Senate are weak, Leadership powers in Senate are weak,

especially in times of divided governmentespecially in times of divided government..

X.X. Presidential transition (cont.)Presidential transition (cont.) C.C. Problems of successionProblems of succession

• 1.1. What if president falls ill?What if president falls ill? a)a) Examples: Garfield, Wilson, Eisenhower, Examples: Garfield, Wilson, Eisenhower,

ReaganReagan• 2.2. If vice president steps up, who becomes new vice If vice president steps up, who becomes new vice

president?president? a)a) Earliest answer was in the Succession Act Earliest answer was in the Succession Act

(1886), amended in 1947(1886), amended in 1947 b)b) Today, Twenty-fifth Amendment (1967) Today, Twenty-fifth Amendment (1967)

establishes proceduresestablishes procedures• (i)(i) Allows vice president to serve as acting Allows vice president to serve as acting

president if president is disabledpresident if president is disabled• (ii)(ii) Illness is decided by president, by vice Illness is decided by president, by vice

president and cabinet, or by two-thirds vote of Congresspresident and cabinet, or by two-thirds vote of Congress• (iii)(iii) Requires a vice president who ascends to office Requires a vice president who ascends to office

on death or resignation of president to name a vice presidenton death or resignation of president to name a vice president• (iv)(iv) New vice president must be confirmed by a New vice president must be confirmed by a

majority vote of both housesmajority vote of both houses• (v)(v) Examples: Vacancies produced by resignations Examples: Vacancies produced by resignations

of Agnew (vice president) and Nixon (president)of Agnew (vice president) and Nixon (president)

X.X. Presidential transition (cont.)Presidential transition (cont.) D.D. ImpeachmentImpeachment

• 1.1. Judges, not presidents, are the most Judges, not presidents, are the most frequent subjects of impeachment.frequent subjects of impeachment.

• 2.2. Indictment by the House, conviction by Indictment by the House, conviction by the Senatethe Senate

a)a) Presidential examples: Andrew Presidential examples: Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon (preempted by resignation), Johnson, Richard Nixon (preempted by resignation), Bill ClintonBill Clinton

b)b) Neither Johnson nor Clinton was Neither Johnson nor Clinton was convicted by the Senateconvicted by the Senate

• 3.3. Office of the Independent Counsel was Office of the Independent Counsel was not renewed in 1999 and is generally not renewed in 1999 and is generally considered a casualty of the Clinton considered a casualty of the Clinton impeachment.impeachment.

• 4.4. Interpretation of constitutional language Interpretation of constitutional language (“high crime or misdemeanor”) is unclear(“high crime or misdemeanor”) is unclear

XI.XI. How powerful is the president?How powerful is the president? A.A. Both the president and the Congress Both the president and the Congress

are more constrained today.are more constrained today. B.B. Reasons for constraint:Reasons for constraint:

• 1.1. Complexity of issuesComplexity of issues• 2.2. Scrutiny of the mediaScrutiny of the media• 3.3. Greater number and power of interest Greater number and power of interest

groupsgroups C.C. Presidential responses to constraints Presidential responses to constraints

include:include:• 1.1. Acting early in the first term (honeymoon Acting early in the first term (honeymoon

period)period)• 2.2. Establishing a few top prioritiesEstablishing a few top priorities• 3.3. Giving power to the White House staff Giving power to the White House staff

and supervising them carefullyand supervising them carefully