Chapter 3: Presidency Flashcards
Evidence of president ‘head of state’ responsibilities
the president attends global summits:
e.g the G7 summit At the World Economic Forum, Trump met with other world leaders
Cabinet can be ignored
2017, Trump ignored his Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and dropped the “two-state” solution for Middle East Peace
Trump veto
2019- UAE arms sales disapproval resolution (to block the arms deal)
Biden Veto
2023- biden vetoed legislation rolling back EPA emissions standards
President has to answer to Congress, only when impeached
E.g 2021 impeachment of Trump from the January 6th trial
Obama pardoning people in his last month in office
Pardoned 142 in his last month in office
President being unable to count on party
Bush’s Social Security reforms FAILED to pass through Congress, with it being controversial amongst both Republicans and Democrats
National events increasing power
After 9/11, Bush was able to begin Iraq War and create the Patriot Act 2001
Example of electoral mandate being powerful
- Obama won the 2008 election with around 53% of the vote
- within the first 2 years pushed for budget stimulus, health care reform and beginning the process of moving troops from Iraq.
Example of national events weakening presidential power
2008 financial crisis- Obama had to prioritise an economic stimulus package over healthcare reform
2020 Coronavirus pandemic
Example of successful power of persuasion Obama
Obama was able to get the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010
Example of successful power of persuasion Trump
Trump- Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017 (reduced corporate tax from 35% to 21%)
Example of successful power of persuasion Biden
Inflation Reduction Act 2022 (he proposed this in State of Union)
Example of power of persuasion via individuals
Under Bush, education secretary Rod Paige was used to sell his ‘No Child Left Behind’ education package in 2001
Example of unsuccessful power of persuasion Trump
- Trump won party control in both the House and the Senate. - Yet ‘repeal and replace’ (which would’ve got rid of Obamacare failed)
- Low electoral mandate/ approval ratings negatively affected his powers of persuasion
Example of Congress veto override
Veto override of 97-1 (in the Senate), of the 9/11’s victims bill 2016
Treaties that weren’t ratified by the Senate
2012- Obama’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Example of president passing executive agreements
Joe Biden rejoining the Paris Agreement in 2021
Example of Congress limiting foreign relations with power of the purse
-Prevented the closure of Guantanamo Bay in 2009, by passing the National Defense Authorisation Act which prohibited funds
Trump Executive Orders
220
Example of presidential veto being overridden by Congress
2021- overturned veto of a defence spending bill, in favour of the National Defense Authorization Act
Biden being accused of unconstitutionally wielding ‘power of the purse’
- 2022- several states are suing Biden administration’s attempt at new student-loan forgiveness programme
- argue that are undermining separation of powers
