THE EXECUTIVE - PRESIDENT

Question 1

Explain and analyse three sources of the president’s power.

Answer 1

1. Constitutional Powers
   • Commander-in-Chief, veto power, executive orders.
   • Example: Biden’s executive order on climate action (2023).
   • Analysis: Broad scope but subject to checks.
2. Mandate from Election
   • Public support provides legitimacy.
   • Example: Biden’s 2020 win emphasized climate change priorities.
   • Analysis: Power depends on election margins.
3. Informal Powers
   • Media influence, party leadership.
   • Example: Trump’s use of Twitter to shape policy.
   • Analysis: Amplifies authority but risks overreach.

Question 2

Explain and analyse three checks and balances on the power of the President.

Answer 2

1. Congressional Oversight
   • Power to override vetoes, confirm appointments, and impeach.
   • Example: Trump’s impeachments (2019, 2021).
   • Analysis: Effective but often partisan.
2. Judiciary
   • Can strike down executive actions.
   • Example: Supreme Court blocked Biden’s student loan forgiveness (2023).
   • Analysis: Limits power but depends on Court composition.
3. Media and Public Opinion
   • Media scrutiny influences public support.
   • Example: Criticism of Biden’s handling of Afghanistan withdrawal (2021).
   • Analysis: Soft check but politically significant.

Question 3

Explain and analyse three differences between formal and informal presidential powers.

Answer 3

1. Source
   • Formal powers from Constitution; informal from influence.
   • Example: Executive orders (formal) vs. party persuasion (informal).
   • Analysis: Informal powers often more flexible.
2. Constraints
   • Formal powers subject to legal checks; informal rely on popularity.
   • Example: Trump struggled to repeal Obamacare despite informal persuasion.
   • Analysis: Informal powers depend on context.
3. Scope
   • Formal powers limited; informal can extend globally.
   • Example: Biden’s role in NATO negotiations over Ukraine.
   • Analysis: Informal powers critical in foreign affairs.

Question 4

Explain and analyse three constraints on the President’s power.

Answer 4

1. Congress
   • Legislative approval needed for major policy.
   • Example: Biden’s failure to pass Build Back Better Act.
   • Analysis: Divided Congress limits authority.
2. Judiciary
   • Can rule actions unconstitutional.
   • Example: Trump’s travel ban revised after court challenges.
   • Analysis: Judiciary can neutralize key initiatives.
3. Public Opinion
   • Popularity affects political capital.
   • Example: Biden’s approval dipped during Afghanistan withdrawal (2021).
   • Analysis: Limits effectiveness in polarized contexts.

Question 5

Explain and analyse three institutions that support the president in their role.

Answer 5

1. The White House Office (WHO)
   • Provides immediate support and advice to the President.
   • Example: Chief of Staff Ron Klain coordinated Biden’s early COVID-19 response in 2021.
   • Analysis: Ensures efficiency but heavily dependent on staff loyalty.
   
   2. The Executive Office of the President (EOP)
      • Agencies providing specialized expertise (e.g., Office of Management and Budget).
      • Example: National Security Council advising on Ukraine crisis (2022).
      • Analysis: Strengthens policymaking but criticized for centralizing power.
   3. The Cabinet
      • Key heads of departments provide policy input.
      • Example: Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen advised on inflation policies under Biden.
      • Analysis: Offers expertise but role varies depending on President’s reliance.