POL 111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Energy Level, Divided Government
Document Summary
Expectations gap: high public expectations but limited constitutional authority means presidents rely on informal powers. Power to persuade: a president"s ability to convince congress, other political actors, and the public to cooperate with the administration"s agenda. Shared powers and conflicting policy goals: different constituencies and politics, use of legislative liaison. Partisanship and divided government: better success when party controls congress. Cabinet: members head the executive departments, 15 cabinet members have their own views; may not be loyal. White house office: close relationship to president, manages president"s daily life, chief of staff: the person who oversees the operations of all white house staff and controls access to the president. Vice president: used to be chosen to balance ticket; had little real power. Chosen based on foreign policy, gender, ideological differences, geographical power in election: recent vice presidents have had significant roles. First lady: range of roles, from traditional to political.