Party Chieftain and Judicial Officer

The President's influence over legislation is enhanced by his position as the acknowledged leader of his party. Thus when a Republican President deals with a Congress having a Republican majority, he normally is in a position of strength. He works closely with the majority of both houses to enact legislation that will fulfill campaign promises and thus strengthen the party with voters. As party leader, the President may offer considerable inducement to legislators to win their full cooperation. He may use his influence in securing campaign funds for a senator or representative standing for reelection, or he may agree to speak in their behalf. On the other hand, he may threaten to withhold his support from an un-cooperative legislator.

Making appointments in return for political support is known as patronage, and it is an effective device for promoting cooperation between the legislative and executive departments. Although the vast majority of government employees are under civil service, several thousand positions are filled by presidential appointment. Ordinarily the President asks senators and representatives of his party to suggest nominees for federal judgeships, ambassadorial posts, and important commissions. This practice enables the President to name policy makers who are in accord with his views and, in theory at least, makes legislators responsible for recommending highly qualified persons. In making such appointments, the President also strengthens the position of the senator or representative, since their supporters are given political plums.

As party chieftain, the President assists in raising money by appearing at important dinners and rallies, influences the selection of state and national party officers, campaigns for his supporters when they are seeking reelection, and enunciates party policy on occasion.

It has been said that lofty statesmanship rests on a foundation of astute politics. The revered Lincoln used his party powers boldly in his struggle to save the Union, and the idealistic Wilson sought the cooperation of political bosses to effect the passage of reform measures, a practice followed with even greater skill by another crusading President, Franklin D. Roosevelt. In fact, all strong Presidents have used their party powers with energy, imagination, and daring. However, this should not make one lose sight of a highly important factor in American politics: the decentralization and lack of discipline that characterize the major parties. Even the most skillful presidential leadership is frequently not enough to win over an obstructionist in the President's own party.

As noted earlier, legislative, executive, and judicial powers are separated in the American system of government. There is, however, a system of checks and balances. This is evidenced by the constitutional allocation of certain judicial powers to the President. One illustration is his influence over the judicial branch through his power to appoint, with Senate approval, all federal judges and attorneys. As a rule, judges are suggested to the President by senators or representatives after approval by the bar association of the state.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-30