Brief summary of the reading
Richard E. Neustadt in his book, Presidential Power and the Modern Presidents: The Politics of Leadership from Roosevelt to Reagan, studies executive power and its primary characteristics of success. Public expect that the presidents do more than what law and constitution allow them to do. As Neustadt argues, “Presidential power is the power to persuade." (Page 11) Persuasion and bargaining are the two main factors that he believes presidents should use to influence their agendas and strategies. Bargaining to encourage other branches of government mostly Congress and the executive branch which he is in control of such as secretaries, heads of government agencies, and individual bureaucrats is necessary. They hold
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Nation’s constitution granted them power and authority such as commander in chief, nominating judges to federal courts. However, there are many other factors that control and limit this power which require more from presidents to advance and follow their agenda. As Neustadt argued in his book, he needs to overcome any obstacles and difficulties by pursuing individuals and agencies who will have effect on outcomes. I do believe that despite his limitation in time period, author’s argument still valid. Policies, national or international require presidents’ persuasion. Not to forget that his personality and popularity is one of the most effective factors. Maximum popularity, maximizes his success, especially when he needs to overcome the congress’ barrier. Nowadays, in modern era, this popularity and prestige not only clears his way to succeed internally, also has greater effect on ally nations in unanimity and compromise. There are some argument about validity of these characteristics in earlier era. Back in the nineteens and eighteens century, presidents had to have these characteristics to be able to persuade their agenda. From the first president George Washington to Barak Obama the 44th president, all had to use their popularity and prestige to have nation’s accompaniment. Yet, they need to gain accompany of the congress by persuading not only house members, also any individuals whom action or view can have impact on executive power to succeed in any policy that they