Powers of Persuasion
Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 14.1.3
Powers of Persuasion
The power of presidential persuasion is an informal power where the president uses bargaining and the prestige of the office to influence others to act in ways they prefer.
Persuasion through people
- The president can work through people to persuade.
- The president seeks to persuade party leaders such as the leaders of the Senate, the House and the Speaker of the House.
- The Office of Legislative Affairs works to lobby Congress for the president on key issues and legislation.
- The vice president can be used to persuade Congress, as they have an office in Congress and can meet members of both houses.
- Joe Biden worked to persuade Congress to support President Obama.
Persuasion through perks
- The president can use ‘perks’ to secure the support and votes of members of Congress.
- Presidents can offer support for legislation that benefits a member’s district or state.
- The president can offer to campaign for members of Congress in elections if they are from the same party.
- The president may meet with small groups of members of Congress at the White House or in Congress to persuade them.
- Presidents can contact individuals directly to encourage them to vote a certain way.
Significance of persuasion
- Persuasion is important because most presidential powers are checked by Congress and require its agreement.
- If there is a divided Congress where the houses are controlled by different parties, it is more difficult for a president to pass legislation.
- Persuasion is important as the president often needs Congress to pass legislation, confirm appointments and sustain vetoes.
Factors affecting persuasion
- A president's personality is important in building strong relations with Congress.
- If Congress and the president are from the same party, persuasion is more likely to be successful.
- When Democrats controlled both houses of Congress and Bill Clinton was president, he succeeded in 86.4% of votes on issues he supported, compared to 36.2% under divided government.
Test yourself on Powers of Persuasion
Why is persuasion important?
Who has an office in Congress and can be used by the president to meet with, and persuade, members of Congress?