3.4 Interpretations around presidential power

Question 1

the imperial presidency

when is a president referred to as ‘imperial?’ what is the opposite?

Answer 1

when the constitutional checks are ineffective
- the opposite of ‘imperial’ is ‘imperilled’ or informally ‘lame duck’

Question 2

the imperial presidency

how does presidential power fluctuate? what do poll ratings mean for a president?

Answer 2

• it is unlikely a president would be seen as ‘imperial’ or ‘imperilled’ for their entire presidency
• president’s power can be inferred from their poll ratings
• popular presidents tend to be more powerful

Question 3

the president and foreign policy

George W. Bush and popularity/foreign policy

Answer 3

• George W. Bush had huge amounts of power to involve the USA in the middle east in 2001 and 2003
• but the declining populairty of these wars and bush meant congress was more willing to exercise control towards the end of his term

Question 4

the president and foreign policy

presidents powers in foreign policy

Answer 4

• treaties: senate confirmable, but hte president could circumvent this by using executive agreements
• receiving ambassadors: recognising nations
• commander-in-chief: the war powers act 1973 has not been successfully enforced as it has been viewed unconstitutional by presidents since then. But this power has undermined congress’ power to declare war
• head of state: congress acts with deference in times of emergencies.

Question 5

the president and foreign policy

however, how can congress endeavour to control foreign policy using its own powers?

Answer 5

• Appropriations
• issuing or repealing AUMFs
• ratifies treaties and presidential appointments
• legislative power

Question 6

the president and foreign policy

appropriations 2007

Answer 6

• democrats attempted to defund the Iraq war

Question 7

the president and foreign policy

AUMFs

Answer 7

• issuing or repealing to secure its role in authorising military action

Question 8

the president and foreign policy

ratifying treaties and presidential appointments

Answer 8

• when a president attempts to circumvent these powers, congress protests and works to make headlines
• Eg. the senate tried to time-limit Obama’s negotiations

Question 9

the president and foreign policy

legislative power

Answer 9

• congress passed laws preventing Obama allowing Syrian refugees and the release of Guantanamo Bay detainees onto US soil