Going Public: Expanding Presidential Power through Direct Appeals to the Public

One way that presidents have expanded their power has been by going public. Another is bya. making direct appeals to the public to try and enact their proposals b. reducing their dependence on Congress by giving themselves independent governing capabilitiesc. diminishing the authority of the judicial branch, especially by refusing to administer their decisionsd. buying off interest groups with offers of jobs in the administration

reducing their dependence on Congress by giving themselves independent governing capabilities

a. making direct appeals to the public to try and enact their proposals.

Making direct appeals to the public is a way that presidents have expanded their power. This is often referred to as “going public.” By speaking directly to the American people, presidents can enlist their support for their policies and proposals. When the public is behind a president’s agenda, it puts pressure on Congress to act. Presidents can use speeches, rallies, and media events to communicate their message.

For example, President Franklin D. Roosevelt used his “fireside chats” on the radio to speak directly to the American people and gain support for his New Deal policies during the Great Depression. President Ronald Reagan often used televised addresses to appeal to the public to support his economic policies and military build-up. President Barack Obama used social media to mobilize young voters and build support for his healthcare reform proposal.

Overall, making direct appeals to the public is a way for presidents to bypass Congress and other institutions that might otherwise block their goals. By building popular support, presidents can expand their power and influence.

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