The Power to Persuade

Announcements:

Congressional Quiz Retakes: If you are not satisfied with your performance on the quiz over the legislative branch, you may opt to take a retake of that quiz. You must complete at least six of the assigned Khan Academy modules before the retake.

Junior Boys: Do you love government? Want to gain leadership skills? Then Missouri Boys State may be right up your alley. There will be an informational meeting about this 8 day experience on Friday, Nov. 22 during 3rd hour. If you're interested in attending the info meeting, please send Mrs. Eikel an email and she will send a pass for you.

READING: Federalist 70 (read and annotate for Monday)
READING: 341-378 in Edwards

UNIT TWO IDENTIFICATION TERMS
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Today's Essential Question: How do Presidents utilize various leadership styles and communication strategies to promote their policy agenda?


Learning Standards:
CON-4.D: Explain how communication technology has changed the president’s relationship with the national constituency and the other branches.

CON-4.D.1: The communication impact of the presidency can be demonstrated through such factors as:

• Modern technology, social media, and rapid response to political issues 
• Nationally broadcast State of the Union messages and the president’s bully pulpit used as tools for agenda setting

Presidential Leadership & Persuasion
In addition to the constitutional duties and powers outlined in Article II, one of the most important powers is the power to persuade. Presidents cannot just snap their fingers and expect laws to be passed and policies implemented.  How can presidents use their status to influence and persuade others to do what they think is best?

Key terms: mandate, bully pulpit

Video on Presidential Persuasion

1. Explain the following quote:

• “I sit here all day trying to persuade people to do the things they ought to have sense enough to do without my persuading them….That’s all the powers of the President amount to.”  -Harry S Truman

2. Describe the Johnson Treatment.  How did LBJ get the Civil Rights Bill passed?

3. Describe the method utilized by Reagan in getting his tax cuts through. What is the bully pulpit?

4. How did LBJ and Reagan’s past experiences affect their tactics?

5. If you were a presidential advisor to Trump, what method would you recommend? Why?

6. How does public opinion limit or enhance a president's power?

Reading on Trump's Power to Persuade

Presidential power has increased in the modern age due to changes in the media and the president's use of various media mediums. Read this article on the president's use of the "bully pulpit" and how it has changed the presidency: Banging on the Bully Pulpit: How presidents present themselves


When presidents get elected, they often claim a mandate, or a directive from the voters to enact their policies. But, how accurate is the presidential mandate? Can presidents really claim this in the modern age?


Election Results 1824-2012

The Myth of the Presidential Mandate

Presidential Mandates: A Matter of Perception