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Congress vs. the President and Why they don’t get along. Different Constituents. House- represents a small, homogenous area Senate- represents the entire State Pres- represents the entire country. Structure of the Institution. President- center of the world, must deal with lots of issues
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Different Constituents House- represents a small, homogenous area Senate- represents the entire State Pres- represents the entire country
Structure of the Institution President- center of the world, must deal with lots of issues Congress- lots of people, lots of committees, policy specialization
Access to Information & Expertise The Pres. has access to the best info from the best sources, so he will use this to his advantage—”I know something you don’t know” & will build his relationship w/Congress by sharing info Congress gets info from personal staff, committee staff & the news
Different Time-Tables Pres- honeymoon period is best time to get BIG leg. passed—last 2 yrs of 1st term- he’s running for re-election & last 2 yrs of 2nd term- he’s a lame duck! House- ALWAYS running for re-election!!!! Senate- 6 yr term/40 yr career—not in any hurry
Examples – the Pres. Executive Orders- can be used to give direction to executive agencies- Truman integrated the military, LBJ instituted Affirmative Action Signing Statements- used by presidents to comment on their interpretation of the bill and parts of the bill they do not plan to implement
Public Expectation of Party Loyalty The public expects some loyalty of Congressional party members to the President.
Bargaining & Compromise They can’t do anything without each other. Congress controls the budget. The Pres. uses personal bargaining—ph. calls, rides on Airforce One, help with casework, campaigning. Congress uses institutional bargaining- holding up bills in committees.
Informal Personal Links Most members of Congress know each other—they come from the same social group, went to the same schools, so they have personal relationships before they are elected Their staff know each other as well.