#9 INSTITUTIONS: Presidents & Domestic Policy/Thomas E. Patterson/Kennedy School of Government

Summary

This video script explores the evolution of the U.S. presidency, emphasizing the growing role of the President in domestic policy. It delves into the Constitution’s provisions for presidential power and the practical realities of working within a divided government. The script highlights how the President’s legislative initiatives are often constrained by the need for congressional approval, as exemplified by the welfare reform efforts of Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Bill Clinton. It ultimately reveals the tension between presidential authority and the necessity of Congress’s backing in shaping domestic policy, dispelling the illusion of a purely presidential system.

Takeaways

• 😀 The U.S. presidency operates in a system of separated powers, requiring cooperation with Congress for domestic policy success.
• 😀 Presidents have constitutional powers to influence domestic policy, but their ability to get things done depends on Congressional support.
• 😀 Presidents benefit from greater access to expertise and information, which aids their role in policy-making.
• 😀 Public expectations often position the president as the leader on national policy, even though legislative action requires Congressional cooperation.
• 😀 The president’s authority is unitary, meaning they can take independent action, unlike the divided authority in Congress.
• 😀 When the president's party controls Congress, their legislative proposals are more likely to pass.
• 😀 Presidents facing opposition-controlled Congress often resort to executive orders, which are less impactful than legislation.
• 😀 Clinton’s welfare reform struggle showed the difficulty of pushing legislation through a divided Congress, despite vetoes and compromises.
• 😀 The separation of powers means the president cannot unilaterally shape policy, emphasizing the need for Congressional backing in domestic affairs.
• 😀 The modern presidency is judged based on its ability to enact legislative initiatives, with successes and failures often influenced by party control in Congress.
• 😀 Clinton's presidency exemplified the limitations of presidential power when his party lacked a majority in Congress, making his policy goals harder to achieve.

Q & A

What is the 'illusion of presidential government'?

The 'illusion of presidential government' refers to the common misconception that the president holds ultimate authority over national affairs. In reality, the president operates within a system of separated powers, meaning they rely heavily on Congress to pass laws, and their power is not as unchallenged as it may appear.

How did the role of the president evolve in the 20th century?

The role of the president became more active due to the increasing size of the federal government and the complexity of policy issues. The president's executive branch expanded, and presidents gained access to expert knowledge and resources, which gave them a greater ability to initiate and promote domestic policies.

What powers does the president have in the domestic policy realm according to the U.S. Constitution?

The president's domestic powers include the authority to execute the laws passed by Congress and the power to veto acts of Congress. Additionally, the president has the ability to propose legislative initiatives, although they need congressional approval to enact them into law.

What is the significance of the executive office of the president (EOP)?

The EOP, created in 1939, plays a critical role in assisting the president in executing their duties. It includes experts in policy, management, and economics, and helps the president manage the vast number of federal agencies, contributing significantly to the development and implementation of domestic policies.

Why do presidents have an advantage over Congress when it comes to developing policy?

Presidents have an advantage due to their access to a large body of expertise, their position as the only truly national elected official, and the public expectation that they will lead on national issues. These factors give presidents a unique ability to initiate and coordinate major policy proposals.

What role does party control play in the success of presidential legislative initiatives?

Party control is crucial to a president's success in Congress. When the president's party controls both houses of Congress, their success rate in enacting proposals is much higher. Conversely, if the opposition party controls one or both houses, the president’s ability to pass legislation is significantly reduced.

How did the presidential experience of Lyndon Johnson and Bill Clinton differ regarding congressional support?

Lyndon Johnson had strong congressional support, particularly with his party holding large majorities, allowing him to pass significant legislation such as the Food Stamp Act. Bill Clinton, however, faced greater challenges in the 1990s when Congress was split, and he had to negotiate with a Republican-controlled Congress, particularly over the Welfare Reform Act.

What is the purpose and limitation of executive orders?

Executive orders allow the president to implement policy decisions without needing Congressional approval. However, they are not permanent and can be overturned by future presidents. Additionally, executive orders are limited by existing law and the Constitution.

Why did President Clinton sign the 1996 Welfare Reform Act despite disagreeing with its provisions?

Clinton signed the 1996 Welfare Reform Act after vetoing two earlier versions due to concerns about its impact on children. He ultimately had to sign the final version, which was passed by a Republican-controlled Congress, because his political leverage was limited and he faced pressure to act on welfare reform.

What is the significance of divided government in the U.S. political system?

Divided government, where the presidency and Congress are controlled by different parties, often leads to gridlock and makes it more difficult for presidents to pass legislation. This system emphasizes the importance of negotiation and compromise between the branches of government, as seen with recent presidents like Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama.