Реферат: Imperial Presidency Overview Essay Research Paper Imperial

president. Neustadt used FDR, while Schlesinger used Nixon. Neustadt felt that

FDR exemplified all the qualities necessary for an effective presidency. He was

vigorous, experienced, confident, and a sincere person. He was willing to do

what it took to get things done in the best interest of the country, and he did

it ethically. According to Schlesinger, Nixon was also willing to do whatever it

took to make things happen, but ethics were of little importance to him.

Schlesinger discussed how he gained his power by keeping Congress, the media,

and the public ignorant of his actions, legal and illegal. His sneaky,

underhanded ways were what led to his downfall. He had become too powerful. He

felt he could get away with anything.

Neither man is wrong. They just maintain different views. Neustadt

focused on the good things that have come from presidential power (FDR), while

Schlesinger pointed out the negative (Nixon). Although, each man’s argument is

not completely right. Neustadt displays a bit too much optimism. He does not

take in to account the abuses of power that are likely to happen if a president

becomes too powerful. He doesn’t consider the fact that not all presidents are

completely ethical. Schlesinger expresses a bit too much pessimism. This is a

result of the Johnson and Nixon administration. Schlesinger may have been

reacting to all the negative things that were coming out as a result of Vietnam

and Watergate. The Imperial Presidency was written at a time when political

efficacy was very low. Had Schlesinger written the book at any other time, he

probably wouldn’t have been that wary of an overly powerful president. If I had

to make a recommendation, I would endorse both. The seem to compliment each

other. Neustadt discusses how presidential power can improve the presidency and

the government, and enumerates the traits necessary to achieve it. Schlesinger

helps to warn us of the problems that can arise from too much power. Together,

they provide us with both sides of the argument.

Bibliography

Imperial Presidency