1. The Presidency

2. The Constitutional Powers of the Presidency Most of the constitutional provisions concerning the president and executive power are to be found in Article II, which demonstrates the framers’ considerable ambivalence about executive power. Presidential powers combine those expressly stated in the Constitution, delegated powers, and powers inherent to executive leadership.

3. Commander in Chief President is the head of the national military Congress can declare war 1973 War Powers Act

4. Diplomatic Power “Recognize” other countries Executive Agreements An agreement between the president and one or more other countries. Does NOT require approval of the Senate. Cannot supercede federal law.

5. Treaties and Executive Agreements

6. Two Presidencies? Foreign vs. Domestic Affairs President generally has more discretion in foreign affairs. Congress approves more foreign policy bills. Post 9/11 changes versus economic meltdown

7. Legislative Power Agenda setting Role of popularity, mandate? State of the Union Budget

9. Legislative Power Agenda setting But, not able to introduce bills Role of popularity, mandate? State of the Union Budget Veto

10. Veto Power Negative power Veto Threats Overriding a veto Requires 2/3 support in both houses Line Item Veto

12. Signing statements Uncontroversial versus controversial Innovation from the G.W. Bush presidency Constitutionality of the Bush signing statement– a backdoor pocket veto?

13. Obama’s Position on Signing Statements Campaign position Instructions to check with Eric Holder First signing statement 3/12/09 “releasing him from five provisions of the spending bill”

14. Are signing statements an appropriate expansion of presidential power?

15. The Organizational Presidency Contemporary presidents sit atop complex and growing White House organizations as well as an ever-expanding executive branch.

18. Expanding White House Staff The White House staff increased from fewer than 50 members in the 1930s to over 500 in contemporary White Houses. Organizational elaboration within the White House increased specialization and expertise in the presidency.

19. Expanding Executive Branch Growing executive administration empowers the president as the “chief executive.” Presidents use appointment powers, executive reorganization, and executive orders to affect policy through executive action.

20. In recent years, presidents increasingly have made policy through executive orders that often direct executive branch officials and agencies to implement policies in accordance with the president’s policy preferences. Executive orders are rules or regulations by the president that have the effect and formal status of legislation.

22. Why Cared about Obama’s First 100 Days? The Honeymoon Decreasing influence, increasing effectiveness External factors Internal factors Does Obama meet or beat? The assessment A comedian’s version