Lecture on The Presidency and Domestic Policy

Introduction

• The White House has been the residence of every U.S. president since John Adams.
• Previously, Congress was the primary focus of national attention, not the presidency.
• We live in a "presidential age," a perception called "the illusion of presidential government" by Hugh Heclo.
• While the presidency is more powerful than in the 19th century, it operates within a system of divided powers.

Goals of the Session

1. Identify the president's domestic powers as provided by the Constitution.
2. Describe how the president's domestic policy role has expanded over time.
3. Explain conditions affecting the president's ability to achieve domestic policy goals.

Presidential Powers

• Constitutional Powers:
  • Article 2 provides vague powers to the president, unlike the specific Article 1 powers of Congress.
  • Key powers include executive authority and a say in legislative matters (e.g., veto power, legislative initiatives).
• Historical Context:
  • Early presidents saw their power as limited (e.g., James Buchanan, George Washington).
  • Modern presidents are more active in legislative processes (e.g., Franklin Roosevelt's use of veto).

Expansion of Presidential Role

• Growth of government size as the U.S. became more urban and industrialized increased presidential power.
• The Executive Office of the President (EOP) provides expertise and support, offering an edge over Congress.
• Presidents are seen as national leaders, which gives them more influence over the national agenda.
• Unitary executive authority allows for decisive actions, unlike divided Congressional authority.

Challenges in Achieving Legislative Success

• Divided Government:
  • The president can propose initiatives, but Congress must agree.
  • Success is more likely when the president's party controls Congress.
• Comparison to Parliamentary Systems:
  • In parliamentary systems, the prime minister has more assured legislative support.
  • U.S. presidents must navigate separate legislative and executive branches.

Factors Affecting Presidential Success

• Early term success is more likely due to fresh electoral support.
• Strong government action is needed during critical times (e.g., wars, economic crises).
• Congressional control by the president's party is crucial for legislative success.

Case Studies

• Food Stamp Act of 1964:

  • Passed under Lyndon Johnson with large Democratic majorities in Congress.
  • Despite opposition, Johnson's congressional support enabled passage.

• Welfare Reform Act of 1996:

  • Passed under Bill Clinton with a Republican-controlled Congress.
  • Clinton had to compromise significantly due to lack of Democratic control and public sentiment.

Conclusion

• The president has advantages in developing legislative initiatives but success requires Congressional approval.
• Executive orders are a limited alternative to new legislation.
• The presidency operates within a "separated system," not a purely presidential one, requiring collaboration with Congress for domestic policy success.