The limits of persuasion: Strategic considerations of presidential governance

Abstract

The dissertation proposes three models of the presidency based on the variable nature of four "strategic considerations" of presidential politics. The strategic considerations include the timing of political benefits, the president's public identification with a policy, investment of political capital, and the level of political conflict acceptable to the president in enacting a policy. After historically and analytically justifying the models, they are tested empirically in a series of "critical case studies" in domestic and foreign policy. A concluding chapter suggests how a broadened appreciation of presidential power can serve both presidents and students of the office.