The Application of Theory:
The Presidency

I. Madison

A. The presidency was a problem for Madison.

1. There are only external checks on the president.

a. But, Madison believed most power would be in Congress.


B. Increased power provides an energy to the office (leadership).

1. Presidential powers, in the Constitution, are vague.

a. As a result, there are many ways in which to view the man, office, and powers.


C. President has become a broader office, not merely an executor.

1. He is more pro-active while Congress is reactive.
2. President is more personalized,

a. Madison's "Great Statesman"?


D. Problems of the modern presidency:

1. corruption

a. policies are not agreed to by the people

2. competence

a. President is the only member of government held accountable.

3. Does the modern presidency get beyond self interest to impose a collective responsibility on government? (Institutional Will)

II. Pluralists:

A. Growth in presidential power is an adaptation to the need for energy in the government.

B. He operates within a governmental framework that checks abuses of power.

1. Pluralists want the president to be pro-active and the system will maintain balance.
2. President brings majoritarian government and action.

a. Congress brings deliberation and preserves minority interests.

III. Party Theory:

A. The president provides leadership but there is too much dependence on the individual.

1. By raising expectations presidents are doomed. (Lowi)


B. Thus, party theorists want a stronger relation between campaigns and governance.

1. They want the citizenry to search among candidates for a heroic savior.
2. They want to concentrate power in the institution not the person.

a. The institution is the winning party.

Walter Stone, (1990) "Republic at Risk" Brooks-Cole