by loren miller

By Loren MillerBy Loren Miller

THE PRESIDENCYTHE PRESIDENCY

““No man will ever bring out of the No man will ever bring out of the Presidency the reputation which Presidency the reputation which carries him into it. To myself, carries him into it. To myself, personally, it brings nothing but personally, it brings nothing but increasing drudgery and daily increasing drudgery and daily loss of friends.”loss of friends.”

Thomas JeffersonThomas Jefferson


““As to the presidency, the two As to the presidency, the two happiest days of my life were happiest days of my life were those of my entrance upon the those of my entrance upon the office and my surrender of it.”office and my surrender of it.”

Martin Van BurenMartin Van Buren


““After the White House what is After the White House what is there to do but drink!”there to do but drink!”

Franklin PierceFranklin Pierce


After Vice President Truman heard After Vice President Truman heard about the death of Franklin D. about the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, he said to a small Roosevelt, he said to a small collection of reporters:collection of reporters:

““Boys, if you ever pray, pray for Boys, if you ever pray, pray for me now.”me now.”


““All the president is, is a glorified All the president is, is a glorified public relations man who spends public relations man who spends his time flattering, kissing, and his time flattering, kissing, and kicking people to get them to do kicking people to get them to do what they are supposed to do what they are supposed to do anyway.”anyway.”

Harry TrumanHarry Truman

EVOLUTION OF THE PRESIDENCYEVOLUTION OF THE PRESIDENCYChief Clerk: 1789-1836Chief Clerk: 1789-1836

• Presidents perform administrative duties Presidents perform administrative duties that Congress requests.that Congress requests.• Government is best that governs the least.Government is best that governs the least.• Presidents focused their attention on foreign Presidents focused their attention on foreign

affairs while Congress focused on domestic affairs while Congress focused on domestic matters.matters.

• Madison found himself unable to fund the War of Madison found himself unable to fund the War of 1812 and unable to raise an army.1812 and unable to raise an army.

• The Monroe DoctrineThe Monroe Doctrine• Congress forged key compromises on slavery and Congress forged key compromises on slavery and

paid of most of the national debt.paid of most of the national debt.• Andrew Jackson, an outsider, grabs the reins of Andrew Jackson, an outsider, grabs the reins of

government and remakes the presidency.government and remakes the presidency.• Forced out Cabinet members who disagreed with Forced out Cabinet members who disagreed with

him.him.• Introduced the spoils system.Introduced the spoils system.

EVOLUTION OF THE PRESIDENCYEVOLUTION OF THE PRESIDENCYWeakened Presidency: 1837-1900Weakened Presidency: 1837-1900

• Andrew Jackson’s popularity and energetic Andrew Jackson’s popularity and energetic personality raised the profile of the office. personality raised the profile of the office. However, those who followed Jackson (with However, those who followed Jackson (with some exceptions) reverted back to “chief some exceptions) reverted back to “chief clerk.” Exceptions include:clerk.” Exceptions include:• James Polk: westward expansion; used his power James Polk: westward expansion; used his power

as commander in chief to instigate war with as commander in chief to instigate war with Mexico; acquired California, Arizona and Oregon Mexico; acquired California, Arizona and Oregon Territory.Territory.

• Abraham Lincoln: blockaded southern ports; Abraham Lincoln: blockaded southern ports; suspended the writ of suspended the writ of habeas corpushabeas corpus; spent money ; spent money without Congressional approval; raised an army without Congressional approval; raised an army without Congressional approval. without Congressional approval.

• Abraham Lincoln reinterpreted Article II into a Abraham Lincoln reinterpreted Article II into a source of executive authority during emergencies.source of executive authority during emergencies.

EVOLUTION OF THE PRESIDENCYEVOLUTION OF THE PRESIDENCYThe Modern Presidency: 1901-1945The Modern Presidency: 1901-1945

• As the United States industrialized and As the United States industrialized and became a significant player in an became a significant player in an interconnected world, the power of the interconnected world, the power of the presidency grew accordingly.presidency grew accordingly.• Theodore Roosevelt used the office as a “bully Theodore Roosevelt used the office as a “bully

pulpit.” He wanted to be “the bride at every pulpit.” He wanted to be “the bride at every wedding and the corpse at every funeral.”wedding and the corpse at every funeral.”

• Bold assertions of presidential power: The Bold assertions of presidential power: The Stewardship TheoryStewardship Theory

• Breaks up corporate monopoliesBreaks up corporate monopolies• Initiates a Panamanian revolutionInitiates a Panamanian revolution• Wins a Nobel Peace Prize (mediating Japan/Russia) Wins a Nobel Peace Prize (mediating Japan/Russia)

settlementsettlement• Sends fleet around the worldSends fleet around the world• First president to travel to a foreign countryFirst president to travel to a foreign country

EVOLUTION OF THE PRESIDENCYEVOLUTION OF THE PRESIDENCYThe Modern Presidency: 1901-1945The Modern Presidency: 1901-1945

• Woodrow Wilson achieved some significant Woodrow Wilson achieved some significant successes and suffered some great failures.successes and suffered some great failures.

• Achieved industrial reformsAchieved industrial reforms• Led the United States into World War ILed the United States into World War I• Led efforts to create a League of NationsLed efforts to create a League of Nations

• Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New DealFranklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal• Permanent bureaucraciesPermanent bureaucracies• Social Security and unemployment insuranceSocial Security and unemployment insurance• Use of the media to communicate directly with the public—Use of the media to communicate directly with the public—

fireside chatsfireside chats• Lend-Lease Program prior to U.S. involvement in WWII Lend-Lease Program prior to U.S. involvement in WWII

(without consent of Congress)(without consent of Congress)• Gave Britain 50 destroyers in exchange for rights to build Gave Britain 50 destroyers in exchange for rights to build

military based on British territory (without consent of military based on British territory (without consent of Congress)Congress)

• The national government became the focus of powerThe national government became the focus of power

EVOLUTION OF THE PRESIDENCYEVOLUTION OF THE PRESIDENCYImperial Presidency Under Attack: 1945-1980Imperial Presidency Under Attack: 1945-1980

• By the end of World War II, the presidency had By the end of World War II, the presidency had become a very powerful office and emphasis on the become a very powerful office and emphasis on the “cold war” in the 1950s and 1960s added to the “cold war” in the 1950s and 1960s added to the president’s power.president’s power.

• The Truman DoctrineThe Truman Doctrine• Sending troops to VietnamSending troops to Vietnam

• Watergate, Richard Nixon’s resignation and Jimmy Watergate, Richard Nixon’s resignation and Jimmy Carter’s inability to resolve the Iranian hostage Carter’s inability to resolve the Iranian hostage situation frustrated the public and the presidency situation frustrated the public and the presidency came under increasing attacks from Congress.came under increasing attacks from Congress.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTSLEGAL REQUIREMENTSFOR PRESIDENTFOR PRESIDENT

• at least 35 years of ageat least 35 years of age

• have lived in the United States 14 have lived in the United States 14 yearsyears

• be a natural born citizen of the be a natural born citizen of the United StatesUnited States

PRESIDENTIAL TRIVIAPRESIDENTIAL TRIVIA• Only divorced president: ReaganOnly divorced president: Reagan• Only bachelor president: BuchananOnly bachelor president: Buchanan• Shortest Term: Harrison (1 month)Shortest Term: Harrison (1 month)• Largest President: Taft (350 pounds)Largest President: Taft (350 pounds)• Smallest President: Madison (95Smallest President: Madison (95 pounds)pounds)• Youngest President: Roosevelt (42)Youngest President: Roosevelt (42)• Oldest President: Reagan (77)Oldest President: Reagan (77)

INFORMAL CRITERIAINFORMAL CRITERIAFOR PRESIDENTFOR PRESIDENT

• Political ExperiencePolitical Experience• 1868-1956 gubernatorial experience 1868-1956 gubernatorial experience

preferredpreferred• 1960-1972 senatorial experience 1960-1972 senatorial experience

preferredpreferred• 1972 to the present ???????1972 to the present ???????

• Vice-president?? Vice-president??


• Vice-president?? Vice-president?? VPs who became President by election:VPs who became President by election: 1800s – Adams, Jefferson, Van Buren1800s – Adams, Jefferson, Van Buren 1900s – T. Roosevelt, Coolidge, 1900s – T. Roosevelt, Coolidge,

Truman, Truman, Nixon, Johnson, Nixon, Johnson, BushBush

• Military Hero??Military Hero??

THE VICE PRESIDENCYTHE VICE PRESIDENCYIf Washington is called “Mr. President,” then If Washington is called “Mr. President,” then

you need to call me “Your superfluous you need to call me “Your superfluous excellency.”excellency.”

John Adams, our first Vice PresidentJohn Adams, our first Vice President

““[The Vice Presidency] is the most [The Vice Presidency] is the most insignificant office that ever the invention of insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination man contrived or his imagination conceived.”conceived.”

John AdamsJohn Adams

THE VICE PRESIDENCYTHE VICE PRESIDENCY““The Vice Presidency isn’t worth a warm The Vice Presidency isn’t worth a warm

bucket of piss.”bucket of piss.”

John Nance Garner, one of FDR’s Vice PresidentsJohn Nance Garner, one of FDR’s Vice Presidents

““I do not propose to be buried until I am I do not propose to be buried until I am really dead.”really dead.”

Daniel Webster, on not accepting the Vice Daniel Webster, on not accepting the Vice PresidencyPresidency

THE VICE PRESIDENCYTHE VICE PRESIDENCY““A little over a week ago, I took a rather unusual A little over a week ago, I took a rather unusual

step for a vice president . . . I said something.”step for a vice president . . . I said something.”

Spiro Agnew, Vice President under Richard NixonSpiro Agnew, Vice President under Richard Nixon

““Look at all the Vice Presidents in history. Where Look at all the Vice Presidents in history. Where are they? They were about as useful as a cow’s are they? They were about as useful as a cow’s fifth teat.”fifth teat.”

Harry S Truman, one of FDR’s Vice PresidentsHarry S Truman, one of FDR’s Vice Presidents

Eisenhower/Nixon

THE VICE PRESIDENCYTHE VICE PRESIDENCY Possibly our worst Vice President was Thomas Marshall Possibly our worst Vice President was Thomas Marshall

(Wilson’s VP)(Wilson’s VP)

“ “As vice president, I am responsibleAs vice president, I am responsible for nothing and influential nowhere”for nothing and influential nowhere”

“ “My job is like a monkey cage– exceptMy job is like a monkey cage– except that visitors do not offer me peanuts”that visitors do not offer me peanuts”

In his inaugural address he promised to “acknowledge In his inaugural address he promised to “acknowledge the insignificant influence of the office”the insignificant influence of the office”

He once told a bodyguard that “his job was pointless asHe once told a bodyguard that “his job was pointless asno one every shoots a Vice President” no one every shoots a Vice President”

THE VICE PRESIDENCYTHE VICE PRESIDENCY Recent vice presidents have Recent vice presidents have

been given greater access to been given greater access to the president and have been the president and have been given more responsibilities given more responsibilities than earlier vice presidents.than earlier vice presidents.– Al Gore and Dick CheneyAl Gore and Dick Cheney– Would Joe Biden have accepted Would Joe Biden have accepted

the vice presidency unless he was the vice presidency unless he was given access and responsibilities?given access and responsibilities?


• Executive AbilityExecutive Ability• the ability to hire good the ability to hire good

peoplepeople

• IdeologyIdeology• middle of the roadmiddle of the road


• Physical StaminaPhysical Stamina

• Mental StabilityMental Stability

• Knowledge of the IssuesKnowledge of the Issues

PRESIDENTIAL OATHPRESIDENTIAL OATH

““I _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will I _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”the United States.”

-- Washington added “So help me God” and others -- Washington added “So help me God” and others followed this traditionfollowed this tradition

-- Why do presidents have the choice of “swear or -- Why do presidents have the choice of “swear or affirm”affirm”-- So Quakers could run for the office-- So Quakers could run for the office

-- Only Franklin Pierce (1853) “affirmed”-- Only Franklin Pierce (1853) “affirmed”

THE NOMINATION THE NOMINATION PROCESSPROCESS

1. Defining Possible Candidates 1. Defining Possible Candidates and Leading Contendersand Leading Contenders

2. The Primaries and Delegate 2. The Primaries and Delegate SelectionSelection

3. The Convention3. The Convention


Defining Possible Candidates and Leading Defining Possible Candidates and Leading ContendersContenders

““No one wants to back a loser”No one wants to back a loser”

• Key Money Raisers (“Fat Cats”)Key Money Raisers (“Fat Cats”)• Hollywood InfluentialsHollywood Influentials

• Media CommentaryMedia Commentary• Party InfluentialsParty Influentials• Interest GroupsInterest Groups


The Primaries and Delegate SelectionThe Primaries and Delegate SelectionPrimaries and CaucusPrimaries and Caucus

• Importance of primaries:Importance of primaries:• In 1912 12 Democratic 13 RepublicanIn 1912 12 Democratic 13 Republican• In 1980In 1980 31 Democratic 35 31 Democratic 35

RepublicanRepublican• In 2008 38 Democratic 40 RepublicanIn 2008 38 Democratic 40 Republican

When States Select Delegates

20042000 2008 2012*

*Many states had their selection processdelayed because of redistricting challenges



• Until 1968Until 1968• delegates selected by party leadersdelegates selected by party leaders• all states are importantall states are important• party dominatedparty dominated• open conventionsopen conventions



• Since 1968Since 1968• candidate dominatedcandidate dominated• most delegates selected by primariesmost delegates selected by primaries• early states are importantearly states are important• closed conventionsclosed conventions

THE NOMINATION THE NOMINATION PROCESSPROCESSThe ConventionThe Convention

PurposePurpose

• • Role of the mediaRole of the media• • Cross-section of the American public?Cross-section of the American public?• • Likelihood of deadlock? Likelihood of deadlock? • • Post-convention “surge”Post-convention “surge”

**

2012:R: Tampa

D: Charlotte


Week of the year that the

candidate won a majority of

delegates

THE ELECTIONTHE ELECTION

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Before PrimariesBefore Labor Day

A Majority of American Voters Decide How to Vote Before the Fall Campaign Begins. Many decide even

before the primaries.

THE ELECTIONVoters who supported Obama (in %)

Voters who supported Romney (in %)

2012 Election

THE MONEY FACTOR

In Millions

THE ELECTIONTHE ELECTION

JibJab

THE ELECTIONTHE ELECTIONThe Electoral CollegeThe Electoral College

Why??Why??

How do we choose a president without political How do we choose a president without political parties (they were frowned upon), without parties (they were frowned upon), without

national campaigns (the office seeks the person national campaigns (the office seeks the person rather than the person seeks the office), and rather than the person seeks the office), and without upsetting the balance between the without upsetting the balance between the executive and legislative branches and the executive and legislative branches and the

national and state governments?national and state governments?


Why??Why??

Have Congress choose the president:Have Congress choose the president:This would lead to hard feelings among members of Congress This would lead to hard feelings among members of Congress and would lead to unsightly political bargainingand would lead to unsightly political bargaining

Have the state legislatures choose the president:Have the state legislatures choose the president:This would lead to an erosion of federal authority as the president This would lead to an erosion of federal authority as the president would be too beholding to certain stateswould be too beholding to certain states

Have the president elected by direct popular vote:Have the president elected by direct popular vote:People would not be aware of a candidate who was not local and People would not be aware of a candidate who was not local and would vote for their “favorite son” and no person would emerge would vote for their “favorite son” and no person would emerge with a popular majority.with a popular majority.

Finally, the “Committee of Eleven” proposed an indirect election of Finally, the “Committee of Eleven” proposed an indirect election of the president through a College of Electors.the president through a College of Electors.


The Electoral College was expected to be composed of “free The Electoral College was expected to be composed of “free electors” who could vote for anyone. The person who electors” who could vote for anyone. The person who came in first would become president and the runner-up came in first would become president and the runner-up would be vice-president.would be vice-president.

If nobody had a majority of votes, then the election would go If nobody had a majority of votes, then the election would go into the House. Our Founding Fathers expected that into the House. Our Founding Fathers expected that almost all elections would be determined in the House of almost all elections would be determined in the House of Representatives as they expected many candidates to Representatives as they expected many candidates to receive electoral votes.receive electoral votes.

This worked well until the formation of political parties. By This worked well until the formation of political parties. By 1796, the electors were no longer “free electors” but had 1796, the electors were no longer “free electors” but had become “partisan electors.”become “partisan electors.”


Each state has the number of electors equal to the Each state has the number of electors equal to the number of their members in the House and the number of their members in the House and the SenateSenate

H + S = # of ElectorsH + S = # of Electors

(Texas) 36 + 2 = 38 Electors(Texas) 36 + 2 = 38 Electors(USA) 435 + 100 + 3 (DC) = 538 Electors(USA) 435 + 100 + 3 (DC) = 538 Electors

A majority of 538 (270) is needed to winA majority of 538 (270) is needed to win


• The objective is to obtain 270 electoral votesThe objective is to obtain 270 electoral votes

• Instead of 1 presidential election, we have 51 separate Instead of 1 presidential election, we have 51 separate presidential electionspresidential elections

• To win Texas’s electoral vote, the candidate must obtain To win Texas’s electoral vote, the candidate must obtain a a pluralityplurality of popular votes in the state of popular votes in the state

• So where does a candidate campaign?? So where does a candidate campaign?? • In 2012, 93% of party resources were spent in only 9 states.In 2012, 93% of party resources were spent in only 9 states.

The Battleground States2012

New Hampshire (4)Virginia (13)

North Carolina (15)Ohio (18)Iowa (6)

Colorado (9)Nevada (6)Florida (29)

Wisconsin (10)(110)

http://www.270towin.com

HOW OBAMA WONVote By Gender: 47% Male; 53% Female

Obama: 47% Male; 55% FemaleRomney: 53% Male; 45% Female

Vote By Age: 18-29 19%; 30-44 27%; 45-64 38%; 65+ 16%Obama: 60% 18-29; 52% 30-44; 51% 45-64; 44% 65+Romney: 40% 18-29; 48% 30-44; 49% 45-64; 56% 65+

Vote By Size of Place: 32% Urban; 47% Suburban; 21% RuralObama: 63% Urban; 49% Suburban; 39% RuralRomney: 37% Urban; 51% Suburban; 61% Rural

HOW OBAMA WONVote By Race: 73% White; 13 % Black; 10% Latino; 3% Asian

Obama: 41% White; 93% Black; 71% Latino; 73% AsianRomney: 59% White; 7% Black; 29% Latino; 27% Asian

Vote By Income: 41% Under 50K; 31% 50-100K; 28% 100K +Obama: 62% Under 50K; 53% 50-100K; 46% 100K +Romney: 38% Under 50K; 47% 50-100K; 54% 100K +

Vote By Religion: 53% Protestant; 25% Catholic; 2% Jewish; 7% Other; 12% NoneObama: 42% Protestant; 51% Catholic; 69% Jewish; 75% Other; 70% NoneRomney: 58% Protestant; 49% Catholic; 31% Jewish; 24% Other; 30% None

How Presidents and Vice How Presidents and Vice Presidents are ChosenPresidents are Chosen

Acetate P–2

POPULAR VOTE VS.POPULAR VOTE VS.ELECTORAL VOTEELECTORAL VOTE

Election Year

President Winner’s Electoral Vote

Winner’s Popular Vote

1956 Eisenhower 86.1 57.4

1960 Kennedy 58.0 49.7

1964 LB Johnson 90.3 61.6

1968 Nixon 55.9 43.4

1972 Nixon 96.7 60.7

1976 Carter 55.2 50.1


Election Year



1980 Reagan 90.9 50.7

1984 Reagan 97.4 59.8

1988 Bush 79.0 53.4

1992 Clinton 68.8 43.2

1996 Clinton 70.4 49.2

2000 GW Bush 50.1 49.8


Election Year



2004 GW Bush 53.2 51.2

2008 Obama 67.8 53.3

2012 Obama 61.7 52.6

Robin Williams


The Electoral College has reversed the outcome The Electoral College has reversed the outcome three times:three times:1876 (Hayes v. Tilden), 1888 (Harrison v. 1876 (Hayes v. Tilden), 1888 (Harrison v. Cleveland), 2000 (Bush v. Gore).Cleveland), 2000 (Bush v. Gore).

The House of Representatives has decided two The House of Representatives has decided two elections:elections:1800 (Jefferson v. Burr), 1824 (Adams v. Jackson 1800 (Jefferson v. Burr), 1824 (Adams v. Jackson v. Clay)v. Clay)

In 18 of 56 presidential elections (Washington to In 18 of 56 presidential elections (Washington to Obama), the winning candidate did not have a Obama), the winning candidate did not have a majority of popular votes.majority of popular votes.

ELECTORAL COLLEGE ELECTORAL COLLEGE REFORMSREFORMS

• Direct Popular VoteDirect Popular Vote

• Proportional VotingProportional Voting

• District PlanDistrict Plan

DISTRICT PLANDISTRICT PLAN

R = 100D = 85

R = 110D = 95

R = 75D = 110

3 Districts = 5 Electoral Votes

Used in Maine and Nebraska

THE JOB OF PRESIDENTTHE JOB OF PRESIDENTAct as Commander in ChiefAct as Commander in Chief

Negotiate TreatiesNegotiate TreatiesReceive Foreign AmbassadorsReceive Foreign AmbassadorsNominate Top Federal OfficialsNominate Top Federal Officials

Veto BillsVeto BillsFaithfully Administer Federal LawsFaithfully Administer Federal Laws

Pardon Persons for Federal OffensesPardon Persons for Federal OffensesAddress Congress and the NationAddress Congress and the Nation

WHAT WE LOOK FORWHAT WE LOOK FOR

What we Really Want

THE BEST & WORSTTHE BEST & WORSTTHE BESTTHE BEST THE WORSTTHE WORST

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt

2. Abraham Lincoln

3. George Washington

4. Thomas Jefferson

5. Theodore Roosevelt

6. Woodrow Wilson

7. Harry S Truman

8. Ronald Reagan

9. Andrew Jackson

10. Dwight D. Eisenhower

1. James Buchanan

2. Franklin Pearce

3. Warren Harding

4. John Tyler

5. Andrew Johnson

6. Millard Fillmore

7. William Henry Harrison

8. Zachary Taylor

9. Chester Arthur

10. G.W. Bush

2011

GREAT PRESIDENTS ARE:GREAT PRESIDENTS ARE:

• Blessed with a great crisisBlessed with a great crisis

• Resolve the crisis in an innovative Resolve the crisis in an innovative and creative wayand creative way

• Leave a legacyLeave a legacy

CONCEPTS OF CONCEPTS OF PRESIDENTIAL POWERPRESIDENTIAL POWER

• Narrow (Whig Model)-- presidential power is Narrow (Whig Model)-- presidential power is limited to the specific grants of power limited to the specific grants of power enumerated in the Constitutionenumerated in the Constitution• Pre-TR and Taft, Harding and CoolidgePre-TR and Taft, Harding and Coolidge

• Broad (Stewardship Model) -- presidential Broad (Stewardship Model) -- presidential power is greater than what is enumerated in power is greater than what is enumerated in the Constitutionthe Constitution• the role of precedentthe role of precedent

PRESIDENTIAL CHARACTERPRESIDENTIAL CHARACTER

• What should we look for in a What should we look for in a president?president?• James David Barber, Duke UniversityJames David Barber, Duke University

• Presidential Character is the “way a Presidential Character is the “way a President orients himself toward life.”President orients himself toward life.”• Developed mainly during childhoodDeveloped mainly during childhood• Self-esteem underlies character. Self-esteem underlies character.

• The better people feel about themselvesThe better people feel about themselves, , the more the more likely they will be able to accept criticism, think likely they will be able to accept criticism, think rationally, and learn on the jobrationally, and learn on the job..

PRESIDENTIAL CHARACTERPRESIDENTIAL CHARACTER• Based on two dimensionsBased on two dimensions

• 1. The amount of energy a person 1. The amount of energy a person puts into being presidentputs into being president

• active or passiveactive or passive• Plays the roles of being president Plays the roles of being president

aggressivelyaggressively• Rarely plays the roles of being Rarely plays the roles of being

president aggressively except during president aggressively except during crisiscrisis

• 2. How a person feels about being 2. How a person feels about being presidentpresident

• positive or negativepositive or negative• Enjoys the job of being president; Enjoys the job of being president;

flexibleflexible• Unhappy in the job; anxiousUnhappy in the job; anxious

PRESIDENTIALPRESIDENTIAL CHARACTER CHARACTER Positive Negative Active

ADAPTIVE: self-confident; flexible; creates opportunities for action; enjoys the exercise of power, does not take himself too seriously; optimistic; emphasizes the "rational mastery" of his environment; power used as a means to achieve beneficial results.

COMPULSIVE: power as a means to self-realization; expends great energy on tasks but derives little joy; preoccupied with whether he is failing or succeeding; low self-esteem; inclined to rigidity and pessimism; highly driven; problem managing aggression.

Passive

COMPLIANT: seek to be loved; easily manipulated; low self-esteem is overcome by ingratiating personality; reacts rather than initiates; superficially optimistic.

WITHDRAWN: responds to a sense of duty; avoid power; low self-esteem compensated by service to others; responds rather than initiates; avoids conflict and uncertainty. emphasizes principles and procedures and an aversion to politicking.

PRESIDENTIAL CHARACTERPRESIDENTIAL CHARACTERActive-Positive

Thomas Jefferson Franklin D. Roosevelt

Harry S Truman John F. Kennedy

Bill Clinton George W. Bush (?)

Active-Negative

James K. Polk Abraham Lincoln Woodrow Wilson Herbert Hoover

Lyndon B. Johnson Jimmy Carter Richard Nixon

Passive-Positive

William Howard Taft Warren G. Harding

Ronald Reagan George H.W. Bush

Passive-Negative

Calvin Coolidge Dwight D. Eisenhower

PRESIDENTIAL ROLESPRESIDENTIAL ROLES

LEGISLATIVE LEADER

COMMANDER IN CHIEF

PARTY LEADER

CHIEF DIPLOMAT

PUBLIC LEADER

DOMESTIC PROVISIONS

Constitutional Powers

LEGISLATIVE LEADERLEGISLATIVE LEADER

• When does Congress follow the lead When does Congress follow the lead of the president?of the president?• The Honeymoon PeriodThe Honeymoon Period• International Crisis International Crisis

LEGISLATIVE LEADERLEGISLATIVE LEADER

• When does Congress follow the lead When does Congress follow the lead of the president?of the president?• The Honeymoon PeriodThe Honeymoon Period• International Crisis International Crisis • LuckLuck

• Commanding majority in CongressCommanding majority in Congress

LEGISLATIVE LEADERLEGISLATIVE LEADER• When does Congress follow the When does Congress follow the

lead of the lead of the presidentpresident??• The Honeymoon PeriodThe Honeymoon Period• International Crisis International Crisis • LuckLuck

• Commanding majority in Congress Commanding majority in Congress • Skilled at manipulation (LBJ Skilled at manipulation (LBJ

Treatment)Treatment)

NOTHING LIKE A GOOD CRISIS !NOTHING LIKE A GOOD CRISIS !

Truman Korea Invaded 9Truman Korea Invaded 9Eisenhower Egypt Seizes Suez Canal 7Eisenhower Egypt Seizes Suez Canal 7Kennedy Cuban Missile Crisis 13Kennedy Cuban Missile Crisis 13Johnson Bombing Halt of N. Vietnam 14Johnson Bombing Halt of N. Vietnam 14Nixon Vietnam Peace Agreement 16Nixon Vietnam Peace Agreement 16Carter Hostages Seized in Iran 28Carter Hostages Seized in Iran 28Bush Iraq Invasion of Kuwait 20Bush Iraq Invasion of Kuwait 20Clinton Invasion of Haiti 5Clinton Invasion of Haiti 5BushBush September 11th 38 September 11th 38

President Event Increase in Approval

Presidents Under Unified Presidents Under Unified GovernmentGovernment

Presidents Under Divided Presidents Under Divided GovernmentGovernment

Why Approval RatingsWhy Approval RatingsGo Down Over TimeGo Down Over Time

• Expectations rise in campaigns and Expectations rise in campaigns and are dashed as time limits resourcesare dashed as time limits resources

• Things get blamed, rightly or Things get blamed, rightly or wrongly, on the presidentwrongly, on the president

• Major negative events influence Major negative events influence how people evaluate presidentshow people evaluate presidents

• Press and media criticism Press and media criticism accumulate over timeaccumulate over time

APPROVAL RATINGSAPPROVAL RATINGS

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953

TRUMAN


54565860626466687072

1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961

EISENHOWER


0102030405060708090

1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968

JOHNSONKENNEDY


0102030405060708090

1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975

NIXON


0102030405060708090100

1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982

CARTERFORD

PRESIDENTIAL AGENDA PRESIDENTIAL AGENDA

0

5

10

15

20

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

New Requests

to Congress

VETO POWERVETO POWER• Threat of a VetoThreat of a Veto• Line Item VetoLine Item Veto

• Only on money billsOnly on money bills• Supreme Court declared this Supreme Court declared this

unconstitutional in 1997unconstitutional in 1997

Do Presidents Veto Many Bills?Do Presidents Veto Many Bills?

PRESIDENTIAL VETOES PRESIDENTIAL VETOES AND OVERRIDESAND OVERRIDES

President Years in Office

# of Vetoes

# of Overrides

Roosevelt 13 633 9

Truman 7 250 12

Eisenhower 8 181 2

Kennedy 3 21 0

Johnson 5 30 0

Nixon 6 43 5



# of Vetoes

# of Overrides

Ford 3 66 12

Carter 4 31 2

Reagan 8 78 9

Bush 4 46

1

Clinton 8 37 2



# of Vetoes

# of Overrides

Bush 8 8 1

Obama 4 2 0

Only one two term president did not veto a single bill . . . . Who was he?

SIGNING STATEMENTS AND SIGNING STATEMENTS AND EXECUTIVE ORDERSEXECUTIVE ORDERS

• Signing StatementSigning Statement• When the president signs a bill into law, he may attach a When the president signs a bill into law, he may attach a

statement which indicates how the executive branch will statement which indicates how the executive branch will interpret the law.interpret the law.

• Most often rhetorical but sometimes contrary to Most often rhetorical but sometimes contrary to congressional intentcongressional intent

• Executive OrderExecutive Order• Proclamation – ceremonialProclamation – ceremonial• National Security Directive and Presidential Decision National Security Directive and Presidential Decision

Directive – deal with national security and defense mattersDirective – deal with national security and defense matters• Emancipation ProclamationEmancipation Proclamation• Integration of the Armed ForcesIntegration of the Armed Forces

# of Significant Executive # of Significant Executive OrdersOrders

Louisiana Purchase

Emancipation Proclamation

Japanese Internment

Desegregation of the Military

Initiation of Affirmative Action

Creation of the Peace Corp

Creation of the EPA

OPEN & CLOSED POLITICSOPEN & CLOSED POLITICS

• State of the Union State of the Union Message Message

• Special MessageSpecial Message• Veto PowerVeto Power• Press ConferencesPress Conferences

• Personal ContactPersonal Contact

• PatronagePatronage

• Pork BarrelPork Barrel

Open Closed

Presidential power is the power to persuade

State of the UnionState of the Union

“The president shall from time to time give to the Congress information on the State of the Union . . . .

Article II, Section 3, Clause 1

1790-1934: Known as the “Annual Message”

1st Radio Broadcast: Coolidge, 19231st Television Message: Truman, 1947

The Longest: Taft, 1910 (27,651 words)The Shortest: Washington, 1790 (1,089 words)

PRESIDENTIAL SPEECHESPRESIDENTIAL SPEECHESIn Thousands

Obama

PRESS CONFERENCESPRESS CONFERENCESPresident Average Per Month

John Kennedy (1961-63) 1.9

Lyndon Johnson (1963-69) 2.2Richard Nixon (1969-74) 0.6

Gerald Ford (1974-77) 1.3Jimmy Carter (1977-81) 1.2 Ronald Reagan (1981-89) 0.5

George H. W.Bush (1989-93) 3.0Bill Clinton (1993-01) 2.0

G.W. Bush (2001-08) 2.2Obama (2009-11) 1.9

Press Conference

COMMANDER IN CHIEFCOMMANDER IN CHIEF• Lincolnian View -- an expansive view of Lincolnian View -- an expansive view of

presidential authoritypresidential authority

• Wilsonian-FDR View -- an executive-Wilsonian-FDR View -- an executive-legislative partnership in war legislative partnership in war leadership; statutes passed giving leadership; statutes passed giving broad powers to the presidentbroad powers to the president

COMMANDER IN CHIEFCOMMANDER IN CHIEF• The president is the ultimate decision The president is the ultimate decision

maker in military mattersmaker in military matters• Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bombTruman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb• Nixon’s invasion of CambodiaNixon’s invasion of Cambodia• Reagan sent troops to Lebanon and to GrenadaReagan sent troops to Lebanon and to Grenada• Clinton sent troops to Haiti and to BosniaClinton sent troops to Haiti and to Bosnia• Obama sent special forces to Pakistan to Obama sent special forces to Pakistan to

assassinate Osama bin Ladenassassinate Osama bin Laden

PARTY LEADERPARTY LEADER

• The President is deprived of the The President is deprived of the advantage of a strong party advantage of a strong party organization that other heads of organization that other heads of government enjoy government enjoy

• Therefore, Presidents are heavily Therefore, Presidents are heavily dependent on their own personal dependent on their own personal skillsskills

Private Clubs and Organizations

Precinct Party Committees

Municipal Party Committees

County Party Committees

State Party Committees

CHIEF DIPLOMATCHIEF DIPLOMAT

• The Two Presidencies ThesisThe Two Presidencies Thesis

• Receive AmbassadorsReceive Ambassadors

• Summit ConferencesSummit Conferences

CHIEF DIPLOMATCHIEF DIPLOMAT•Treaties and Executive AgreementsTreaties and Executive Agreements

•Emergency Powers to be used during time of Emergency Powers to be used during time of crisis (Inherent Powers)crisis (Inherent Powers)

• Lincoln suspended civil liberties at the start of Lincoln suspended civil liberties at the start of the Civil Warthe Civil War

• Lincoln called state militias into national serviceLincoln called state militias into national service• Truman seized the steel mills during the Korean Truman seized the steel mills during the Korean

War to prevent a strike (overturned by the War to prevent a strike (overturned by the Supreme Court)Supreme Court)

Treaties and Executive Agreements

Period # of Treaties # of Ex. Agreements

Johnson, 64-68 67 1,083

Nixon, 69-74 93 1,317

Ford, 75-76 26 666

Carter, 77-80 79 1,476

Reagan, 81-88 125 2,840

Bush, 89-92 67 1,350

Clinton, 93-00 209 2,048

Bush, 01-08 147 1,990

Obama, 09-11 11 611

DOMESTIC PROVISIONSDOMESTIC PROVISIONS• . . . he shall take care that the laws be faithfully . . . he shall take care that the laws be faithfully

executed . . . . (Art. II, sec. 3)executed . . . . (Art. II, sec. 3)• In re NeagleIn re Neagle

• Inherent Executive PowersInherent Executive Powers• Presidents have assumed “inherent powers” (not Presidents have assumed “inherent powers” (not

specifically mentioned in the Constitution).specifically mentioned in the Constitution).• Jefferson’s purchase of LouisianaJefferson’s purchase of Louisiana• Bush’s suspension of civil liberties of foreign nationals held in Bush’s suspension of civil liberties of foreign nationals held in

military prison at Guantanamo Baymilitary prison at Guantanamo Bay

DOMESTIC PROVISIONSDOMESTIC PROVISIONS• • . . . and he shall have power to grant reprieves and . . . and he shall have power to grant reprieves and

pardons for offenses against the United States, except pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. (Art. II, sec. 2)in cases of impeachment. (Art. II, sec. 2)

-- amnesty (blanket pardon)-- amnesty (blanket pardon)

-- Andrew Johnson gave amnesty to all -- Andrew Johnson gave amnesty to all former Confederate soldiersformer Confederate soldiers

-- Jimmy Carter gave amnesty to Vietnam-- Jimmy Carter gave amnesty to Vietnam era draft resistersera draft resisters

PRESIDENTIAL PARDONSPRESIDENTIAL PARDONS

Per Year

PUBLIC LEADERPUBLIC LEADER

• Presidents are news . . . Even when Presidents are news . . . Even when they do nothingthey do nothing

• Presidents keep their eyes on public Presidents keep their eyes on public opinion pollsopinion polls

• Trial BalloonTrial Balloon

With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed.”

Abraham Lincoln

IS IT TOO MUCH IS IT TOO MUCH FOR ONE PERSON?FOR ONE PERSON?

• The responsibilities are awesomeThe responsibilities are awesome• There is no “vacation”There is no “vacation”• The remuneration is poorThe remuneration is poor

IS IT TOO MUCH IS IT TOO MUCH FOR ONE PERSON?FOR ONE PERSON?

• The president fulfills two roles that, The president fulfills two roles that, in other nations, are performed by in other nations, are performed by two different peopletwo different people• Head of GovernmentHead of Government• Chief of StateChief of State

“The office of President is such a bastardized thing, half royalty and half democracy, that nobody knows

whether to genuflect or spit.”

Jimmy Breslin

by loren miller

Documents

presidencyweakened presidency

worldfirst president

united states

congressional approval

theodore roosevelt

world war iled efforts

congress requests

foreign affairs