Analyzing Trends in Modern Congress and Models of Presidential Leadership Essay

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Congress and Models of Presidential Leadership

The following article presents a discussion on campaigning trends in modern congress with critical emphasis on plebiscitary politics and governing, as well as a look into the application of the following presidential leadership models; minimalist, self- reliant, and strategic competence.

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VICTIMS RIGHTS MOVEMENT

Trends in Modern Congress

Plebiscitary Politics

Robert Dahl, a political scientist, states that Congress is affected by the nature of American politics, which is increasingly becoming plebiscitary. Pushing for plebiscitary politics, Dahl propagates a more direct connection between elected officials and the public as well as the removal of intermediaries -- membership organizations and parties in this case -- that sought to represent public opinion to the officials they elected. If observed more keenly and directly, instead of mediated, public opinion is more crucial-- which is closer to Madison's dreams for the national legislature. New technologies facilitate plebiscitary politics. Developments in the transportation sector enable most members of Congress to go back to their state homes or districts on most weekends. Advancements in computer and telephone technology have made it easy and affordable for the views of the public to get to the legislators through public opinion polls.

On the surface, one might think plebiscitary politics are a good thing: having public opinion to influence the decisions of the members and sway their votes seems better than paying expensive lobbyists who represent organized interests. However, according to Dahl, allowing the people to communicate directly with those representing them on Capitol Hill might not be an advisable thing. Both representation and deliberation may be undermined by plebiscitary politics in legislative policy making. When it comes to representation, those who are likely to make direct communication with members may not be representing the constituency as a whole. They are more likely to be people with a lot of interest in politics in general or certain issues and are knowledgeable in new information technologies. If so, such communication could distort the member's perception on public opinion (Smith, Roberts, & Wielen, 2013).

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1.2 Governing as Campaigning

Over the decades, campaigning and governing have become more fully integrated. Campaigning is no longer done at home or governing in Washington. Members' and other top leaders' daily routines are controlled by the campaigning demands. Congressional leaders have adjusted their tactics as well. To support those in their parties, most of the party leaders' weekends and evenings are spent at fundraising events. For the purpose of raising and distributing money, most of the leaders have created political action committees (commonly known as leadership PACs). Public relations task forces have been formed by these leaders within their parties. More importantly, however, is the fact that technology developed for campaigning is being used in legislative battles. The congressional parties' campaign committees have expanded their activities extensively. Fashion legislative tactics and priorities are being assisted by pollsters and professional consultants. Opposition research- finding negative information about election opponents- is now used against congressional opponents from the opposite party. Television advertising specialists are used in the planning of media campaigns for important legislative proposals. Partisanship, money and media rely on each other (Smith, Roberts, & Wielen, 2013).

A less surprising effect of the reelection campaign, but still noteworthy, is presidential activity change. Significant attention is required in the campaign trail and figures of political appearances and presidential travel reflects this in figures. During the re-election campaign, campaigning is clearly prioritized instead of governing. Considering the change caused in the presidency by campaigns, it should not come as a surprise that the White House staff has admitted that the White House is overwhelmed by campaign and it preoccupies everyone. For post reform era presidents, the reelection campaign puts the White House in a delicate balancing act; one in which there is a shift of focus from governing to campaigning. Regardless of this shift, neglect in the task of governing would bring about….....

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