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Factors that Affect the Presidency (Enhancing Factors (Size of the Mandate…
Factors that Affect the Presidency
Limiting Factors
Public Opinion
Bill Clinton survived many scandals because of his high public opinion. However Trump has a public approval rating of about 40%
Pressure Groups
pressure groups can mobilise against a president or for them. For instance, the NRA supported Trump
The Media
the media can profoundly limit what the president can do. Obama was victim to the media with things like Obamacare and Trump is generally a figure of mockery.
The Federal Bureaucracy
the bureaucracy is made up of 15 departments and 60 other federal government agencies which can be hard to control
Federalism
eg. states like California are currently rebelling against Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement
Enhancing Factors
Size of the Mandate
if a president is popular, it's hard to rebel against him eg. Obama. However, Trump didn't get the popular vote which limits him
First Term
it's easier to govern during your first term as in their second term they tend to be seen as 'lame ducks'
Previous Washington Experience
Obama was a senator and knew how to deal with the senate. However, Trump didn't even know what federalism means
Oratorical Skills
being well spoken and charismatic like Obama can go a long way, he could persuade the public and congress
Competent White House Staff
Clinton chose poorly in his first term and therefore struggled. Obama selected a really good team.
Crises
During a crisis people band round the president and he also utilises the role of commander in chief. The best example is Bush's popularity after 9/11
Imperial Presidency?
Yes
The amount of staff in the executive has increased eg. the cabinet isn't in the constitution and therefore lacks checks and balances
Many appointments such as the National Security Adviser don't require senate approval
The power over foreign policy is huge. Presidents have sent troops in over 100 times without declaring war.
Increased use of executive agreements which don't require congressional approval
Excessive secrecy due to executive privilege- eg. Trump & Muellar on the Russian collusion
No
The executive office is small compared to the bureucracy
There are checks on nearly every power the president has
War Powers Act- the president needs approval of congress to keep troops away for over 60 days. However, they always agree with this.
Obama
May be considered an imperial president due to his extensive foreign policy
However, he only used 130 executive agreements when some presidents have used up to 500
He also struggled to achieve anything especially in his second term
Trump
Trump was very quick to issue executive orders
He acts imperial in how he talks about himself
However, he's achieved very little, failing to build the wall or reform immigration
He's done much less than he thought he would