Erosion of Presidential Authority: A Threat to Effective Governance

Strategic Insights -

The recent compromise in Washington that allowed Congress to effectively veto President Obama's executive agreement with Iran is a significant blow to the presidency, and a symptom of a larger problem: the gradual erosion of presidential authority over the past four decades. This trend is evident in various areas, including the ability to enter into executive agreements, reorganize the government, and implement key policies. The consequences of this decline are far-reaching, hampering the president's ability to respond to crises and shaping the presidency in a way that is detrimental to effective governance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Congress has gradually eroded the powers of the presidency over the past four decades, creating a power imbalance that hinders the president's ability to respond to challenges and make key decisions.
  • The recent compromise on the Iran nuclear program is a significant example of this trend, as it restricts the president's ability to enter into executive agreements without congressional approval.
  • The president's ability to reorganize the government without congressional approval has also been eroded, with President Obama's proposal to consolidate several departments and agencies being blocked by Congress in 2012.
  • The last two Congresses have passed fewer than 300 laws each, the fewest in modern history, highlighting the lack of productivity and effectiveness in Congress.
  • The assault on presidential authority began in the early 1970s, following the Vietnam War, Watergate, and concerns about an "Imperial Presidency".
  • Despite this, the president's authority to enter into executive agreements has remained in place and has been widely used, with a total of 2,058 agreements under Bill Clinton, 1,876 under George W. Bush, and 791 under Barack Obama (as of 2012).
  • The lack of presidential authority has led to routine frustrations, including the failure to reform the insolvent housing finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, despite being in conservatorship since 2008.

Statistics:

  • The fewest number of laws passed by a Congress in modern history: 294 laws in the 113th Congress and 297 laws in the 114th Congress.
  • Number of executive agreements entered into by previous presidents: Bill Clinton (2,058), George W. Bush (1,876), and Barack Obama (791, as of 2012).
  • The British government's success in passing budgets: 75-90% of budgets pass within 90 days of being proposed.
  • The longest period without a budget in the US: since 2009.

Sources:

  • "The New York Times" (1984)
  • "Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. (1973), "The Imperial Presidency"
  • "Bill Clinton's Executive Agreements" (as of 2012)
  • "George W. Bush's Executive Agreements" (as of 2012)
  • "Barack Obama's Executive Agreements" (as of 2012)
  • "The Treasury Department" (early in the Obama administration)
  • "The House of Representatives" (bill passed in 2014 to restore the line-item veto)