The Presidency
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.
– Americas 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 nations problems.
– President Reagan, on the other hand, advocated a smaller role for government so didnt 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