Abstract This paper examines the congressional-executive relationship and distribution of power in the area of foreign policy. It discusses the George W. Bush administration as a case study to demonstrate the expansion of executive power at the expense of Congress. The paper begins with an overview of the relationship between Congress and the President in the realm of foreign policy. It then examines the presidency of George W. Bush and describes the role the Bush administration has played in expanding its own powers, as well as Congress' role in allowing the administration to do so.
Table of Contents:
The Two Presidencies Thesis
The Modern Era of the Strong Presidency
Explaining the Congressional-Executive Distribution of Power and the Decline of Congressional Power--Delegating Authority in International Affairs
Rise of Assertiveness by Congress in Foreign Affairs
President George W. Bush: A Case Study in the Expansion of Executive Power in Foreign Policy
The Importance of September 11 to the Bush Presidency and the Increase in Executive Power
An Increase in Executive Power through a Reduced Congressional Role and Reluctance of the Executive Branch to Work with Congress
The Iraq War and the War Powers Act Resolution-Congress Permitting an Increase in Executive Powers
Expansion of Presidential Powers by Ignoring and Bypassing Congress
Expansion in the President's Role as Commander in Chief
Spending Powers in the War Against Terror and Iraq
From the Paper "For Wildavsky, the key to presidential power in foreign policy does not lie in constitutional foundations, but in changes that had taken place in the world since 1945. He cites the growth in the number of Third World nations, the existence of nuclear weapons and the threat of holocaust, and the cold war as reasons why foreign policy tends to drive out domestic concerns. Reasons for this are the speed of international events and their irreversibility. The presidential advantage in foreign affairs is derived from institutional and informational advantages, as the president has greater access to information that other actors and has greater control of expertise, as well as at times widespread public consensus on foreign policy that reflected the Cold War threat. The interconnectedness of foreign policy necessitates that presidents actively engage in all facets of international affairs. Unlike domestic policy, a single foreign policy failure could lead to an array of catastrophic disasters. Wildavsky also suggests that policy preferences are more varied in the domestic arena and therefore more likely to lead to conflict. Moreover, he argues that presidents are successful due to the weakness of other rivals. Rivals for power in foreign affairs not only have fewer resources at their disposal but are "weak, divided, or believe that they should not control foreign policy." The list of potential rivals he includes are: the public, special interest groups, the military, the military-industrial complex, the State Department, and of special interest here, Congress."
This paper discusses that, because of the inherent power and rewards of the Congressional Medal of Honor, many individuals, seeking unearned glory and unmerited privileges, have dishonestly claimed to possess it.
Abstract This paper explains the problem posed by counterfeit Congressional Medal of Honor winners is emotional because it is tremendously offensive to the families of soldiers who have risked their lives and lost them in the defense of the United States. The author points out that the problem of fraudulent or suspicious claims to the Congressional Medal of Honor is historically rooted in the methods by which individuals are awarded the designation. The paper relates that the number of individuals who currently claim to be Congressional Medal of Honor recipients is growing by leaps and bounds and will surely continue to worsen in the current American climate of patriotism and paranoia toward terrorist acts.
From the Paper "Many privileges accompany the Congressional Medal of Honor award. Individuals who receive the Medal of Honor are automatically promoted to the next grade, as long as they are not already at the top of the enlisted grades. Medal of Honor winners are also rewarded financially; they secure an additional $600 per month from the Department of Veterans Affairs in the form of a pension, and they can potentially gain a ten percent increase in retirement benefits if they stay in the service at least twenty years. Special travel cards are distributed to Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, allowing them to travel at no cost on military air transports, providing there is space for them to sit or stand. Visible symbols of the Medal of Honor are also apparent. Medal of Honor recipients are allowed to wear their special uniforms (different from non-Medal of Honor recipients) wherever and whenever they choose. The families of Medal of Honor recipients are rewarded, as well. The Medal of Honor winner and his or her dependents receive identification cards that allow them to use military recreation and shopping facilities without the payment of dues. Should the child of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient wish to attend a military academy, the child will not have to contend with any university quotas. Medal of Honor winners are invited to attend Presidential inaugurations, and they may display special license plates denoting their hero status. Lastly, Medal of Honor winners receive engraved headstones from the Department of Veterans Affairs at the time of death."
Abstract In this paper the author provides a brief summary and explanation of the Congressional bill H.R.4278 which was passed for funds appropriation in the fiscal year ending 30th September 1997. The author examines all of the key issues that were discussed and cleared. The paper provides an objective point of view of these issues which are considered highly political and volatile. The four main issues that the author looks at are peacekeeping, legislation, the gun bill and the parks bill. The author gives a comprehensive and clear perspective of each of these important issues.
From the Paper "According to the "GUN OWNERS ASSOCIATION" (GOA) a reliable organization in these matters of Guns if a citizen passes through a zone with a loaded gun not locked in its container the citizen can face up to 5(five) years in prison. The definition of "school" also underwent a change to include a home school too. Only citizens having an authorized license could be exempt. Both houses of the Congress passed the merger of H.R 3610 with H.R 4278. In the House it was passed by a vote of 370 for to 37 against it and in the Senate by 84 for to 15 against it. President Bill Clinton signed the Bill to enact it into a law."
Abstract This paper examines the formation and operation of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) including who its key stakeholders are, what conflicts exist between stakeholders, the power dynamics of dealing with a two party Congress, and challenges facing the first director of the CBO.
From the Paper "The key stakeholders of the Congressional Budget Office in the broadest sense are the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. More specifically, stakeholders are the individual members of Congress who instruct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to prepare reports or forecasts. The most important stakeholders of the CBO are the Congressional leaders of the Democratic and the Republican parties. The CBO must meet the needs of these leaders in order for Congress to view the CBO as effective.
Tags: CBO, Congressiona Budget Office, forming, first director, challenges, political differences, serving two masters, challenges to overcome, mandates, direction, guidance, funding
Abstract The paper looks at and compares the demographics of Democratic and Republican voters in order to establish some of the characteristics of the kind of voters who voted for each political group. The paper shows how the congressional election did not mark a particular change in the voting practices of registered voters in the United States. The paper notes that both Republican and Democrat members declared lack of enthusiasm for their former congress members.
From the Paper "The 2006 congressional elections - the midterm elections of congressional representatives after the re-election of George W Bush as president - provided a series of interesting results. Despite predictions in many publications that the Republicans would sweep the board again, in fact, the democrats took the congress. Theories in the following weeks linked the elections to dissatisfaction with the waging of war in Iraq:
"The voter's decisively expressed dissatisfaction with President Bush's Iraq policy be electing a democratic congress (Gilboa, 2006, 1)"".
Tags: Democratics, Republicans, healthcare, Iraq, war
Abstract The paper begins by comparing the factors that led to both, the events that occurred, and the outcomes. Key points discussed are the cold war, HUAC, black lists, congressional hearings, Reverend Samuel Parris, McCarthy, and types of evidence used in both the witch trials and the congressional hearings of the McCarthy era. The paper shows how both events were brought on by the fear of change and the fear of those who are different.
From the Paper "Everyone has heard the expression that history repeats itself. In some cases, this statement is true. There have been many cases of hysteria throughout history that resemble each other. Once example of this is the Salem Witch Trials, which occurred in the late 17th century, and the McCarthy Era, which occurred during the 1940's and 1950?s. These two hysterias were very different in the actual events that occurred, but are very similar in their analysis."
Tags: black, cold, communism, congressional, hearings, huac, lists, mccarthy, war
Abstract This research paper discusses how one would go about lobbying Congress to modify the AMT. The paper offers an approach to seek a dilution of the impact of the AMT particularly on the middle class. The paper begins with suggesting an appeal to key Congressional committee members in both parties, followed by building grassroots support for it among key Congressional constituencies and enlisting the assistance of various interest groups. Specifically this paper looks at an important ancillary lobbying effort to directed at the George Bush administration.
From the Paper "The AMT was first included in the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) in 1969 and has since been expanded by legislative amendments, especially under the Tax Reform Act of 1986. The AMT was designed to ensure that all taxpayers, especially wealthier ones, paid a minimum tax which was higher than would be due if all otherwise allowable exemptions, deductions and credits were given full effect in the computation of the federal income tax due from a taxpayer in any given calendar year."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed exploration of the supply chain management practices of the United States Air Force. The writer examines the method of meeting supply demand and the management of that demand. The writer uses several sources, including congressional testimony, to illustrate the topic and argue that it is a good system that should be continued as recommended in the congressional testimony.
From the Paper "All sectors of business use a supply chain man agement system to develop and handle the supply needs of the company. The United States Air Force for business purposes is one of the largest companies in the United States and as such as an immense organization it is vital that the management of the supply chain run as smoothly and effectively as possible. The current method of supply chain management works well and utilizes many business strategies that are common to the private sector. While there is room for improvement in any organization I believe the Air Force supply chain management is an effective and valuable system."
Abstract In this essay, the writer provides a short look at Congressman Lloyd Doggett. This writer discusses the Congressman's re-election campaign of the newly created 25th Congressional District in Texas. The writer also makes reference to the very impoverished area of the Rio Grande Valley that is included in the congressional area.
From the Paper "When the leaves turn and fall there is a chill in the air and Americans pull levers, mark boxes or even punch those notorious chads, it means it is election time. Each November, Americans to come together in the democratic process, to determine a new set of representatives who will govern the nation from local counties right up to the White House. It is one thing to talk about the political process each ... "
Tags: 2004 election, 25th Congressional District, Texas, Lloyd Doggett, Rio Grande Valley
An opinion piece in favor of congressional term limits, pointing to several reasons why the current practice of unlimited terms is dangerous to American democracy.
1,144 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, 1999, $ 39.95
From the Paper "In recent years, the status quo in Washington seems to be leaning towards career politicians and ever increasing length of service as a legislator. While many support the idea of career politicians as natural considering the degree of specialization and experience now necessary, other conservatively-minded reformers see the career politician as debasing the federal government and antithetical to the principles of democracy. While there are formidable arguments in favor of career politicians, it is clear that this idea of lifetime service to the government is antithetical to principles of American democracy and the intentions of our forefathers. This dangerous trend must be curtailed by the institution of Congressional term limits. "
Abstract This paper takes a look at what is protected by the First Amendment. It also looks at how the courts have ruled in a number of important cases. The paper identifies Congressional opinion and actions. It then takes a philosophical look at the issue. Karl Marx wrote extensively on Freedom of the Press and it looks at his position on the issue. His viewpoint is then contrasted with that of the Roman Catholic Church on these issues, through a study of how censorship has been applied throughout the Church's history.
From the Paper "The freedom of religion, speech, and of the press, as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution, are basic rights enjoyed by American citizens, however the precise definitions and limitations are vague. Various challenges and court rulings have extended the definition of "speech" to include verbal communication as well as non-verbal communication, such as artistic or physical expression, and symbolic gesture. As the courts have broadened the definitions and protections under the freedom of speech, so have they imposed limitations or exclusions, such as defamation, obscenity, sedition, causing panic, incitement to crime and fighting words."
Tags: amendment, bill, first, bill, rights, Congressional, opinion, philosophy, hip
Abstract "Walter Oleszek's book, Congressional Procedures and the Policy Process, is an analysis of the lawmaking process in the United States. He begins with a critical history of the framing of the Constitution, clearly noting the framers' intention that Congress serve as the principal lawmaking power.
From the Paper "Walter Oleszek's book, Congressional Procedures and the Policy Process, is an analysis of the lawmaking process in the United States. He begins with a critical history of the framing of the Constitution, clearly noting the framers' intention that Congress serve as the principal lawmaking power. However, he also makes clear Congress is not intended to stand alone in its use of this power. The Constitution is framed so each arm of government, the executive, the judicial, and the legislative, are linked through a system of checks and balances (3).
Oleszek's early discussion of federal checks and balances will remain significant throughout the book, but it is only by reading Oleszek's entire analysis that we come to an appreciation of the true nature of our federal system. Most readers are aware congressional procedure is complicated and Oleszek does not ..."
From the Paper "When the United States Congress was first established by the Constitution, most politicians agreed that the term of office for senators and representatives should be limited. In this way, Congress would experience a high turnover rate which would make it more "accountable to the voters". However, in recent years it has become clear that Congress actually has a very low turnover rate. In this regard, one commentator has noted that "during the past 50 years, the probability that an incumbent will win reelection has risen dramatically--to over 90 percent for representatives and more than 70 percent for senators". The reason for this low turnover rate can be seen in the fact that incumbents enjoy a number of advantages over their challengers in elections. ... "
This paper discusses the effectiveness as an elite political group of the Congressional Black Caucus: Numerical strength, leadership, legislative concerns, Black-American achievements and economic opportunity, public views and housing.
4,500 words (approx. 18 pages), 24 sources, 1994, $ 135.95
From the Paper "The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is an organization designed to maximize the collective influence of Black members of Congress.. The CBC was formed during the first Nixon Administration in 1971 in response to that Administration's apparent indifference to issues important to Black Americans and to suggestions from Black members of Congress on how best to address those issues.. Prior to the formation of the CBC, Black members of Congress had twice been denied access to President Nixon for the purpose of discussing the effects on Black Americans of administration policies and actions."
