Congress and the President: Discussing agenda setting power

Answer the following discussion question. Be sure to write legibly and to organize your response carefully. Typically, an excellent answer will consist of between four and six para- graphs. You should clearly articulate a thesis and provide analysis in support of the thesis. This section is worth 50 points.

The power to set the agenda is critical in legislative settings. In terms of de jure powers, the president cannot introduce legislation in Congress. Even so, many scholars and political observers contend that it would be a mistake to conclude that presidents lack influence over the legislative agenda. Describe how the the president wields de facto agenda setting power. How effective are presidents at influencing legislative outcomes, and what are the limits of a president’s ability to influence congressional agendas?

Sample Solution