Although the White House is perhaps the most recognized symbol of government authority in America, presidential power is actually quite conditional. A President’s ability to enact change, pressure the passage of bills, and motivate Congress, hinges on numerous factors, including the economy, circumstances, and public support.
Over time, the role of the President has changed from Whig to Stewardship style. Instead of merely carrying out the will of Congress, Presidents now take a central role in creating policy. Unlike the Supreme Court or Congress, the Constitution is not as specific when it comes to the responsibilities and powers of the President. The presidency has morphed into what it is now largely because of the examples set by previous …show more content…
Perhaps the two most important talents are organizational capacity and emotional intelligence. First, a President must be able to efficiently and strategically manage staff, policy makers, committees, and numerous bureaucracies. As Patterson notes, the president is tasked with appointing and overseeing roughly 1,000 individuals during the course of his term (Patterson 432). Secondly, a President must have emotional intelligence. He must be able to separate fact from feeling, control reckless impulses, and know his own weaknesses. “Ike” Eisenhower is a beloved president and great example of both of these qualities (Lessons from the Modern Presidency). Years of service as a General helped him develop an enhanced ability to organize staff, letting policy makers argue their point of view with each other until he felt he could make a wise decision. After a prolonged war, he also had a strong grip on his emotions and a level head in stressful situations. All in all, an astonishing amount of wisdom, self-control, and interpersonal skills are required to be a good President. Yet it is somewhat troubling to consider that modern candidates are elected primarily because of appearance, mannerisms, and attention grabbing, rather than character and leadership
Over time, the role of the President has changed from Whig to Stewardship style. Instead of merely carrying out the will of Congress, Presidents now take a central role in creating policy. Unlike the Supreme Court or Congress, the Constitution is not as specific when it comes to the responsibilities and powers of the President. The presidency has morphed into what it is now largely because of the examples set by previous …show more content…
Perhaps the two most important talents are organizational capacity and emotional intelligence. First, a President must be able to efficiently and strategically manage staff, policy makers, committees, and numerous bureaucracies. As Patterson notes, the president is tasked with appointing and overseeing roughly 1,000 individuals during the course of his term (Patterson 432). Secondly, a President must have emotional intelligence. He must be able to separate fact from feeling, control reckless impulses, and know his own weaknesses. “Ike” Eisenhower is a beloved president and great example of both of these qualities (Lessons from the Modern Presidency). Years of service as a General helped him develop an enhanced ability to organize staff, letting policy makers argue their point of view with each other until he felt he could make a wise decision. After a prolonged war, he also had a strong grip on his emotions and a level head in stressful situations. All in all, an astonishing amount of wisdom, self-control, and interpersonal skills are required to be a good President. Yet it is somewhat troubling to consider that modern candidates are elected primarily because of appearance, mannerisms, and attention grabbing, rather than character and leadership