Chapter 3 - Theoretical approaches Flashcards
What is meant by ‘rational’?
Self-interest
What influences the rational approach to analysing the executives of the US and UK?
The personalities of each president and prime minister.
What sort of style did Trump adopt?
A self-centred and aggressive style.
What sort of style did Obama take to his presidency?
A more collegiate style, shown by his close relationship with Joe Biden and his work with Nancy Pelosi to get his healthcare policy through Congress.
What can often dominate legislative agendas that is linked to the rational analysis of the executives?
Presidents and prime ministers will have their own pet projects that are personally important to them.
What were Clinton and Obama passionate about?
Healthcare reform
What was Tony Blair passionate about?
Education and a ‘war on terror’.
What can the appointment of rivals to the cabinet of the UK be seen as?
A rational decision to nullify them as a threat.
Who was Tony Blair’s rival that he appointed to the cabinet?
Gordon Brown who was his Chancellor.
Who was Theresa May’s rival appointed to the cabinet?
Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary.
What rational appointments do presidents make?
Appointments to the Supreme Court - Obama wanted liberal and diverse judges whereas Trump wanted conservatives, either way they both thought these appointments would be the most advantageous to them.
What is the cultural difference between the executives of each country?
The president originates from the American War of Independence, whereas the role of prime minister has evolved over centuries.
What are the cultural expectations of the powers of the president and the prime minister?
There are cultural expectations about the extent of their powers. Imperial presidents like Johnson and Nixon have been criticised as have presidential prime ministers like Thatcher and Blair.
What is the cultural view of the president and prime minister?
They are both the individual focus of the electoral system, even in the UK where they are not directly elected.
What is the cultural expectation of the president and the prime minister?
That they should be powerful and control the executive branch.
