United States National Security Policy
Chapter 5: The President and the Presidency
Subject: The presidential role in forming National security policy, including the role of his staff. This chapter broke down levels presidential power and limitations and examined their effect on National Security Policy. It begins with the recognition that NSP is often linked to domestic issues.
The chapter examined the effect of specific personalities and leadership styles on the presidency.
1) Since the founding of this nation the nature of the executive effected the nature of the presidency.
2) Some presidents (especially the earlier ones) accepted the constitutional restrictions of their post. These included Washington, and Taft.
3) Other presidents took an active role in challenging restrictions and expanding the presidential role. These included Jackson, Lincoln, T. Roosevelt, Wilson, FDR and Reagan.
4) The president is the only nationally elected public official and is the most recognizable political leader. This affords him the opportunity of great power.
Powers of Presidency
Formal
1) Commander in Chief
2) Chief of State
3) Chief Diplomat
1) Covert Operations
2) Secret Diplomacy
3) Budget Veto
4) Agenda Setting
1) Congress
2) Bureaucracy/Military
3) Popularity among domestic
4) Leadership style and personality (perception of the office)
5) Past presidents
1) Magisterial: President is the authoritive head of government.
2) Bureaucratic: President leads as a flexible chief bureaucrat.
3) Managerial: President strives for efficiency with close supervision of resources.
4) Corporate: President allocates responsibility to create loyalty in lower offices.
Most presidents center on one style, but all have elements of each style. These leadership styles are implemented in order for the president to stamp the government with his beliefs and personality. The president sets agendas and saturates the administration with his ideas.
Each president has a different view of his role and the limits of his power within the office of president.
1) Constitutional: The power of the office is expressly limited by the Constitution (Buchanan, Washington).
2) Stewardship: The office is A-political/non-partisan. The president should remain a non-partial leader. President’s role to advise the nation and be the chief broker of partisan politics. (Eisenhower)
3) Prerogative: The presidency has all power not excluded by the Constitution. (Lincoln, Reagan)
4) Public Opinion*: The president has no commitment to any role and has a single goal of remaining in power. (Starting with Clinton).
Often secedes power to the president in times of trouble and regains it in times of peace. This includes the War powers resolution of 1973 and several oversight committees (Iran contra, Vietnam etc.)
The presidents relationship with bureaucracies may determine how quickly policy is implemented. Bureaucratic feet-dragging is an effective tool used to stifle unwanted policy.
1) National Security Act of 1947: Established the current structure of the presidential staff. Lead to the appointment of a National Security Advisor, who manages the National Security Staff.