The President and Political Parties

Question: Describe about The President and Political Parties. Answer: Introduction Politicalparties constitute a significant aspect of the American political system.The presidentis considered as the head of his political party. As such, he is required to act on his duties as president, while at the same time not compromising the beliefs and policies of his party. This, however, is not always the case, as sometimes the president'srole as party leader conflicts with his role as thehead of state. Further, it conflicts with his duties as the chief diplomat,the Commander in Chief, as well as the chief legislator[1]. The paper evaluates the view that the association between the presidency and the party system in America always been difficult. Arguments in Support The president carries out duties in his capacity as president, and these roles may be in conflict with the party policies. Moreover, he may feel obligated to perform in the fairness of all the citizens of the country, and this may include supporting some strategies brought about by the rival political parties. As such, he may be seen to compromise some of the policies the party has established influencing conflict of interest. This explains why the relationship between the presidency and the political system is said to be difficult, as stated by Sidney Milkis[2]. The argument can be illustrated by the use of the policies instituted by Bill Clinton while he was president. During his era, Clinton supported the triangulation political strategy. In this period, Clinton was seeking to distance himself from Democrats in progress, as well as the Republicans. Triangulation is a system that seeks to use the solutions provided by the party to solve the other sides problems[3]. Further in this system, Clinton Morris, Clintons strategist, indicates that the longstanding conservative goal of welfare reform to be a top item on their reform agenda. However, there was the development of progressive policies, which included the funding for childcare, as well as the financial support for families, which were use in pursuit of the goal[4]. Another example of the scenario where the relationship between the presidency and the political party was not efficient is the President Eisenhower era. In his book, Fred Greenstein states that there was a lot of political activity during the reign of Eisenhower in the White House[5]. Further, he explains that during this time, and after the World War 2, the president created a new political system, where private negotiations were done, and were shielded from public evasiveness. What this shows is that new activities were carried out, which were differing from the policies advocated in the political system at the time he became president[6]. Conclusion Presidential role is affected by diverse factors leading to the failure of carrying out activities in line with the policies of the political party in which he is the leader. Such factors include the need to fulfill the duties of all citizens regardless of their political affiliations. Moreover, the president needs to take up other duties, which may end up consuming his time, and hence, lacking time to carry out party obligations. Further, the presidency requires an individual who is not biased, and can serve the nation without putting the needs of the political party first. All these situations; therefore, lead to deterioration of the relationship the president has with the political party. It is, therefore, held that the relationship between the presidency and the political party in which they lead is difficult. References Edwards, George. Presidential Leadership: Politics and Policy Making. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2014 Gaval, Kathleen Donahue. "Presidential Transitions: Presidents' Perspectives on Building the Senior Leadership Team." Order No. 3357490, University of Pennsylvania, 2009. Hald-Mortensen, Christian. "John F. Kennedy-Leadership Qualities That Moved a Nation." PhD diss, University of Pittsburgh, 2007. Kilgore, Ed. Defining Triangulation. Internet Resource. Retrieved From: https://www.thedemocraticstrategist.org/strategist/2007/10/defining_triangulation.php (Accessed June 22, 2016) Nelson, Michael. The Presidency and the Political System, tenth edition. CQ Press, 2013. ISBN: 978-1452240435 [1]Michael, Nelson. The Presidency and the Political System, tenth edition. CQ Press, 2013. ISBN: 978- 1452240435 [2]George, Edwards. Presidential Leadership: Politics and Policy Making. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2014 [3] Ed, Kilgore. Defining Triangulation. Internet Resource. Retrieved From: https://www.thedemocraticstrategist.org/strategist/2007/10/defining_triangulation.php [4] Kathleen Donahue, Gaval. "Presidential Transitions: Presidents' Perspectives on Building the Senior Leadership Team." Order No. 3357490, University of Pennsylvania, 2009. [5] George, Edwards. Presidential Leadership: Politics and Policy Making. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2014 [6] Christian, Hald-Mortensen,. "John F. Kennedy-Leadership Qualities That Moved a Nation." PhD diss, University of Pittsburgh, 2007.