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The Presidency

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Free Essay Submitted by bignerds on 06/28/2008 08:11 PM

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  • Category: Social Issues
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The Presidency

Since the twentieth century, the executive branch has become the central institution of the United States government. The President of the United States is one of the most widely known, powerful, and respected political figures in the world- an icon of America. The constitution defines the presidency as head of state. He is the commander in chief, has the power to grant pardons, and has strong diplomatic powers. The president is an essential part of the government today.
There are several major sources of presidential power. These sources can be divided into two different types: institutional and political. Institutional sources of power are the formal tools used by, and allotted to the president. One source of political power is patronage. Patronage is the ability to appoint members of the same party to offices, and to do special favors for supporters. Patronage gives the president power by filling high management positions with political allies and powerful interest group leaders. Along with this is the appointment of the cabinet, the major department heads; White House staff, made up of advisors and analysts; and the Executive office of the President, a.k.a. the institutional presidency. The EOP was created by FDR to help perform management tasks for the president. Major agencies in the EOP include the National Security Council, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Council of Economic Advisors. Yet another minor institutional source of power is the vice presidency. The VP presides over the Senate and casts tie-breaking votes, and succeeds the president in the case of death or other vacancy.
There are also several informal sources of presidential power. These political sources are elections, mandate and popularity, mass public opinion, party politics, the media, and interest groups. Elections can be a source of presidential power in that they reflect the President's popularity. Presidents who win by a considerable margin...

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