President - Structure and Relations

Question 1

National Security Council

What it does, Who runs it, Examples of it in action

Answer 1

• Coordinates Military, ForPol and Security info for the pres
• Headed by National Security Advisor
• Briefs president daily
• Susan Rice interviewed as Obama’s NSA after Benghazi
• Trump appointed Steve Bannon, heavy politicised. 3 months then replaced. EXOP seen as honest brokers

Question 2

White House Office

What it does, Who runs it, Examples of it in action

Answer 2

• Most trusted pres advisors, work close
• Headed by Chief of Staff
• Act as link between President and cabinet members and their departments
• Controls access to pres
• Acts on pres behalf, gives press briefings
• Stephen miller defended trump in State of union interview with Jake Tapper

Question 3

Office of Management and Budget

What it does, Who runs it, Examples of it in action

Answer 3

• Advises pres on budget and department spending
• Headed by Senate confirmed OMB Director
• Ensures all pres initiatives are budgeted
• Trump’s OMB Director Mick Mulvaney - Good shutdown might be needed in 2017

Question 4

Factors affecting relationship with Congress 6

Answer 4

• Separation of Powers - Pres dependent on cong for money, war, legislation - Trump fail Repeal and replace obamacare
• Elections - Congress must please their constituents as well as pres - Veto of veto of 911 Victims bill
• Persuasion - If popular, easy to convince, opposite true. - Failed gun control despite shootings
• Divided government - Cong majority may not be Pres party - Obama’s failure to pass immigration reform. Even if unified, sometimes not easy
• Presidential action - EA and recess appointments anger congress - Obama Federal contractor political spending disclosure 2015
• Lame duck status - When pres lacks mandate due to incumbency - Obama failed Imig reform last 2 years

Question 5

Factors affecting relationship with Supreme court 3

Answer 5

• Appointments - If lucky, they can shape court with nomination - Trumps 2 noms
• Judicial review - Final say over const. Can strike down pres action - Trump’s travel ban, Obama’s DAPA 2016
• In the media - Some justices comment on political happenings - Clarence thomas jan 6 riots