POLS 326 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Thermostat, Pork Barrel
Document Summary
What are some tools presidents use to set the agenda: executive orders- example is immigration reforms, state of the union address, press conferences, election campaign platform, veto- the ability/threat of using a veto has the power. What are some tools the presidents use to alternative selection: appointment, international agreements, veto- the action of the veto holds the power in alternative selection. What are some limits on the presidents ability to influence alternative selection: cannot pack the court, cannot control what goes on in congress. Successful: obama- health care, wilson- league of nations. Unsuccessful: clinton- don"t ask don"t tell, gun control (obamas term, reforming social security- george bush. How influential is congress in agenda setting: answer: very influential. While congress is highly influential in both agenda setting and alternative selection, there are constraints: most bills die after they are introduced. Gridlock , or deliberation, is designed into the legislative process.
