XII.                  How Powerful Is the President?

1.         Congress AND the president have lost power because gov’t as a whole has become more constrained by ever-growing complex issues that Washington must deal with.

2.         The problems are growing ever more complicated, and the media is always scrutinizing gov’t actions.

3.         Thus, presidents have acquired certain rules of thumb for dealing with their political problems:

                                                                i.      “Move it or lose it” – get things done early during the term, before influence wanes.

                                                               ii.      “Avoid details” – Have a few top priorities and leave the rest to other experts.

                                                              iii.      “People, not cabinets, accomplish things” – Find and closely watch capable White House subordinates who are given responsibility.