The US President: Power, Politics, and Persuasion

Welcome to your study notes for the US Executive Branch! In this chapter, we explore the most famous job in the world: the President of the United States (POTUS). While the President is often called the "leader of the free world," the US Constitution actually creates a system where they must constantly struggle for power against Congress and the Courts. We will look at where their power comes from, how they use it, and why some people think the office is either too powerful (Imperial) or too weak (Imperilled).

1. The Sources of Presidential Power

The President doesn't just get power from one place. It comes from three main areas:

A. Formal Powers (Article 2)

These are enumerated powers specifically written in the Constitution. They include:

  • Commander-in-Chief: Head of the Army and Navy.
  • The Veto: The power to reject laws passed by Congress.
  • Appointments: Picking Supreme Court justices, Cabinet members, and ambassadors (though the Senate must approve them).
  • Treaties: Negotiating deals with other countries.
B. Informal Powers

These are powers not written down but developed over time (de facto powers). They are often the most important for a modern President:

  • Agenda Setter: The President uses the "Bully Pulpit" (their unique position in the media) to tell the country what issues should be focused on.
  • Party Leader: As the head of their political party, they can influence how members of Congress vote.
  • World Leader: Because the USA is a superpower, the President is the face of international diplomacy.
C. Inherent and Implied Powers

Presidents often claim inherent powers — powers they believe they have simply because they are the executive. This often leads to stretched implied powers, where the President does things not explicitly in the Constitution (like using Executive Orders to change policy without Congress).

Quick Tip: Think of Formal Powers as the President's "Job Description" and Informal Powers as their "Personality and Influence."


2. Two Examples of Presidential Power in Action

The syllabus requires you to know how different presidents have used their power. Here are two illustrative examples:

Example 1: Ronald Reagan (Informal Power & Agenda Setting)
Reagan was known as the "Great Communicator." He used his informal power to bypass a difficult Congress by speaking directly to the public on TV. This created public pressure that forced Congress to pass his massive tax cuts and budget changes in the early 1980s. This shows the power of the Agenda Setter.

Example 2: Franklin D. Roosevelt / FDR (Inherent Power & Crisis)
During the Great Depression and WWII, FDR massively expanded the role of the President. He used Executive Orders and created new federal agencies to manage the economy. This is a classic example of stretching implied powers during a national emergency.

Key Takeaway: Presidential power is not fixed; it expands or shrinks based on the individual's personality and the situation the country is in.


3. Constraints: Why the President Isn't a King

The US system is built on checks and balances. The President faces constant hurdles:

  • Congress: They hold the "power of the purse" (money). If Congress refuses to fund a President's project, it won't happen. They can also override a veto or even impeach the President.
  • The Supreme Court: The Court can declare a President’s actions unconstitutional (Judicial Review). For example, in United States vs Nixon (1974), the Court ruled that the President could not use "executive privilege" to hide evidence in a criminal case.
  • Media and Public Opinion: If a President's approval ratings drop, Congress is less likely to support them. A hostile media can investigate and damage a President's reputation.
  • Party Support: If the President's own party in Congress is divided, the President will struggle to pass any laws.

4. The President’s "Helpers": Cabinet, EXOP, and Bureaucracy

The President doesn't work alone, but they don't always get along with their helpers.

The Cabinet

In the UK, the PM is primus inter pares (first among equals) in the Cabinet. In the US, the Cabinet is much weaker. The President has total authority over them. Relationship: Often distant. Presidents may only meet the full Cabinet a few times a year.

EXOP (Executive Office of the President)

These are the President’s closest advisors based in the White House. Because the President picks them for their loyalty and they don't need Senate approval, the President usually trusts EXOP much more than the Cabinet. Relationship: Very close and influential.

The Federal Bureaucracy and Agencies

These are the millions of government workers in departments like the FBI or the EPA. Iron Triangles are a challenge here — this is when a government agency, a Congressional committee, and a pressure group work together to protect their own interests, sometimes ignoring the President's wishes.

Why does the relationship vary? Some Presidents (like Eisenhower) liked a formal, military-style Cabinet. Others (like JFK or Nixon) preferred a small "inner circle" of EXOP advisors.


5. The "Imperial" vs. "Imperilled" Presidency

This is a classic debate you might see in an essay question!

The Imperial Presidency

This theory suggests the President has become too powerful, like an emperor. They use executive orders to bypass Congress and act as Commander-in-Chief to start wars without a formal declaration. They use their EXOP to hide from accountability.

The Imperilled Presidency

This theory suggests the President is too weak. Because of hyper-partisanship (the parties hating each other), Congress often blocks everything the President tries to do. The federal bureaucracy is so big it’s hard to control, and the media is constantly attacking. The President is "imperilled" (in danger) of being unable to lead effectively.

Waxing and Waning of Power: Presidential power "waxes" (grows) during times of war or crisis (e.g., George W. Bush right after 9/11) and "wanes" (shrinks) when the crisis ends or if they lose support in Congress (e.g., George W. Bush during the Iraq War's later years).


Quick Review: Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mistake: Thinking the US President is like the UK Prime Minister.
    Correction: The PM is part of the legislature (Parliament) and needs its support to stay in power. The President is strictly separate from Congress and cannot be removed just because they lose a vote.
  • Mistake: Thinking the Cabinet is the most important group of advisors.
    Correction: In the modern era, EXOP is usually much more powerful and closer to the President.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that the Senate must approve appointments.
    Correction: The President "nominates," but the Senate "confirms." If the Senate is controlled by the opposite party, this is a major constraint.
Key Takeaway for Exams:

When writing about the President, always mention the balance. For every power the President has (e.g., the veto), there is a constraint (e.g., the Congressional override). The "Imperial vs Imperilled" debate is the perfect way to structure an evaluation of presidential power.