The Presidency
By: Mike • Essay • 494 Words • December 22, 2009 • 917 Views
Essay title: The Presidency
The Presidency
- The powers of the presidency are described very briefly in Article II of the Constitution. Specific powers include:
- Chief Administrator
- Commander-in-Chief
- Chief Lawmaker
- Chief Diplomat
- Chief of State
- In addition to those enumerated powers, presidents have claimed they have certain inherent powers to do whatever has to be done to fulfill their responsibilities as leaders.
- George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln all expanded on their enumerated powers, setting a precedent for later presidents to do likewise.
- Because the U.S. has become such a powerful nation, presidents have become more powerful people. They are now considered world leaders as well as national leaders.
- They have also become party leaders,have to be strong communicators in the age of mass media, and serve as lobbyists for their legislative goals.
- One explanation for expansion of presidential powers is that sometimes Congress lets a president take responsibility for unpopular actions, such as going to war.
- America's strongest, most powerful presidents have emerged during periods of crisis, such as a war or depression. Lincoln and FDR are examples.
- Popular presidents are also likely to become more powerful, because citizens trust them with power.
- President Lyndon Johnson was a strong president because he believed that government should play a strong role in alleviated the nation's problems.
- President Reagan, on the other hand, advocated a smaller role for government so didn't encourage national government involvement in problem solving. He was, however, known as a great communicator.
- A successful candidate for the presidency must put together a winning coalition of supporters and must win 270 electoral college votes, which means winning the popular vote especially