Essay 14 President's power over Congress

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

 1. The Constitution grants the president certain enumerated powers. Two of these formal powers that enable the president to exert influence over domestic policy are Legislative powers such as vetoing, and calling Congress into session.

2. Spending not controlled by annual budget decisions is called Mandatory spending. It limits the president’s ability to influence domestic policy making in Congress by being difficult to make budget cuts that might accomplish policy goals.

Party polarization is when there is increased inter-party differences. It limits the president’s ability to influence domestic policy making in Congress because an Opposing party may block policy goals.

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