The President of the United States' domestic influence can be quite limited, however, always resourceful politicians have found ways to make the most of their small enumerated powers to exert power. The president has the final say on legislation and can strike it down with a veto if it is not a policy he supports. This can be overruled by 2/3 of Congress, but the inconvenience can often be enough to stop a bill from passing. He also has considerable power over appointees such as the Cabinet Secretaries. Through his appointments he can influence labor, commerce, energy, etc.
Party polarization is increasing lack of consensus of policy issues within a party. This can greatly affect a president's influence in Congress because he does not have a strong backing by his party. It makes it easier for the opposing party to block legislation. Also, it does not build strong coalitions in the voting populace, which does not bode well for future elections. The lame -duck period is the few months between the election and the swearing in of a new president when the current president is still in office. Since he is heading out of office, the president's power is seen as weak. While his practical powers may not have diminished, his perceived influence has. This perception also creates a resistant Congress, as they will not have to deal with the current president for much longer.
2008-2)A number of factors enable presidents to exert influence over Congress in the area of domestic policy. However, presidents are also limited in their influence over domestic policymaking in Congress.
-The Constitution grants the president certain enumerated powers. Describe two of these formal powers that enable the president to exert influence over domestic policy.
-Choose two of the following. Define each term and explain how each limits the president’s ability to influence domestic policy making in Congress.
*Mandatory spending
*Party polarization
*Lame-duck period
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/_ap07_us_go_po_sgs_final.pdf
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