2.1 The Presidency-Learning Objectives and Chapter Summary

The Executive

Learning Objectives

  1. Trace the development of the presidency and the provisions for choosing and replacing presidents 


  2. Identify and describe the constitutional powers of the president 


  3. Evaluate the development and expansion of presidential power 


  4. Outline the structure of the presidential establishment and the functions of each of its 
components 


  5. Explain the concept of presidential leadership, and analyze the importance of public 
opinion 


  6. Assess the president’s role as policymaker 


 

Chapter Summary

A president must not only be able to exercise constitutional powers but unwritten ones as well. The ability of a president to use the symbols of office and bring the nation together is often at least as important as the powers laid out in Article II.

Ever since Watergate, the president has been under intense public and media scrutiny. The relationship between the president and the public has changed and the relationship between the president and the media has changed dramatically. People looked to the president to solve problems even as their respect for the office declined.

In this section of the course, we will look at the institution, the men who have occupied it, and public expectations of the office.