Essay plans for the following questions:
1. powers of the president (9 marker)
2. candidate selection for president and vice president (9 marks - two individual plans)
3. arguments for and against congress
Powers of the president - 9 marks
1. Negotiate treaties - The president's seal of office shows an eagle and an olive branch - the eagle
represents the president’s role as commander in chief and the olive branch symbolising peace. In 2010,
Obama negotiated START with Russia (a major nuclear arms control agreement) which was ratified
71:26. This ensures that peace is always achievable therefore allowing war to be prevented in times of
high tension.
2. Commander in chief - particularly significant during the cold war from the 40s to the 90, the president's
role as commander in chief was significant in a period which witnessed the Korean War, Vietnam and
the Gulf War as well as conflict in Iran and Afghanistan. Arguably, since the end of the cold war, this
power has become less effective (with the exception of the following 9/11.) This power is limited by the
president's inability to declare war, however, many presidents have still declared this without the
approval of congress - evident with the war on Japan and 9/11.
3. Nominations of supreme judges - All supreme judges fulfil their role for life, or unless retirement.
Nominations are significant to the President as it is a way of maintaining influence even after the
presidency - as the president will nominate a judge with similar beliefs to himself ideologically. During
their 8 years of presidenctcy, Bush and Obama only witnessed the death/retirement of two judges, whilst
in Trump’s four years he nominated four judges including Amy Conney Barrett after the death of Ruth
Ginsberg which caused controversy as Ruth did alot for the abortion movement (Roe vs Wade 1973)
whilst Conney opposes abortion.
Candidate selection - 9 marks
Vice president
1. “Ballanced ticket” a vice president who contrasts the presidents to create a wider representation - eg
Kamela Harris and Biden who conflict sex wise and age wise - a deeper understanding of an area the
president lacks eg Biden under Obama due to his knowledge of foreign policy
2. Potential in government - chosen not just for capability but due to strategy - e.g. in 2000, Bush chose
Dick Cheeny due to public belief that he could “even Bush out.” - Bush was considered “gravitas” whilst
Dick was not which therefore helped Bush seem more likeable and abilities. Cheeney understood the
executive branch of the federal government due to his experience as secretary of defence and Chief of
Staff. Dick was useful to Bush without using the “balanced ticket.”
3. Party unity - when a president chooses a vice president from the opposing party - e.g. Regan and Bush
in 1980, who were political enemies. This looks good to voters as it shows a president's ability to
‘amend’ and ‘resolve’ conflicts (something which during the cold war was a necessity.) However, the
instrument can create suspicion as party unity is not always believable due to the conflict of ideologies
which conflicts with the opportunity for ‘unity’, this also brings in the question of “ can rivals really
become allies?”
The president
1. Political experiences - Of the 22 declared candidates of 2016, 11 had served as state governors, and 8
in the senate - the remaining three (including Trump) having no experience at all. Trump also being the
only nominee ever to never serve. However, in 2016, the likes of Ted Cruz (with notable experience) lost
the nomination to Trump. In 2020, after three attempts of winning the presidency (1988, 2008 and 2016)
Biden won finally despite having political experience since 1972 as well as after being vice president.
2. Finances - Campaign is crucial to the nomination however it is expensive and few candidates can afford
their own campaigns. Only Ross Perot (1992) and Steve Frobes (1996 and 2000) paid for the entirety of
their own campaign due to being billionaires. Candidates need to raise this money before the primaries
and caucuses begin (a year before elections begin.) In 2016, it was reported that Clinton spent $700
million on her unsuccessful campaign. In 1968, John Wayne was a big sponsor for Nixon’s campaign
after supporting him closely since 1960 against Kennedy.
3. Sound and relevant policies - There is a danger with the nomination process where it becomes all style
and no substance. Style is significant however the voter wants to know the candidate and what makes
them different in their proposed policies. Candiates need relevant policies however practical, in which
makes them stand out for example Nixon’s ‘peace with honor’ and Bobby Kennedy’s cooperation with
Vietnam by ending bombing. Both were relevant, and similar but different approaches that outlined their
characteristics. However, Trump in 2016 was an exception to this as his policy was aimed at groups
instead of individuals like jobs and immigration reform. His policy was notably thin and relied more on
‘what could be’ in his phrase of ‘make America great again.’
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