Title: How Presidents Get Things Done
Headings: 13.2
How Presidents Get Things Done

13.2 How Presidents Get Things Done
Learning Objectives
Link
Agenda-Setter for the Political System
Chief Lobbyist in Congress
Legislative Liaison
The Veto
Signing Statements
Presidential Scorecards in Congress
Chief Executive
Appointment Powers
Executive Orders
War Powers
Presidents and the People
Public Approval
Polls
Speechmaker-in-Chief
Video Clip

Content: Sheryl Gay Stolberg, “Hope and Change as Promised, Just Not Overnight,” New York Times, October 28, 2010, A18. So how do presidents get things done? Presidential powers and prerogatives do offer opportunities for leadership. Link
Between 1940 and 1973, six American presidents from both political parties secretly recorded just less than five thousand hours of their meetings and telephone conversations. Check out http://millercenter.org/academic/presidentialrecordings. Presidents indicate what issues should garner most attention and action; they help set the policy agenda. They lobby Congress to pass their programs, often by campaign-like swings around the country. Their position as head of their political party enables them to keep or gain allies (and win reelection). Inside the executive branch, presidents make policies by well-publicized appointments and executive orders.