Informal sources of presidential power: National events Flashcards
How can national events impact presidential power?
They can strengthen or weaken the president’s position in relation to Congress, the states and the president’s personal approval ratings
Use the experience of two different presidents to explain how national events can be a double edged sword
While 9/11 greatly enhanced Bush’s standing within the country, Trump found dealing with COVID extremely destabilising
Explain the 1998 Monica Lewinsky scandal
Clinton was impeached on the grounds of perjury under oath and obstruction of justice, concerning his relationship with her
Explain how it had a negative impact on Clinton
He relied on a partisan senate to be acquitted. The affair was a national embarrassment that would become what his presidency is remembered for
Explain what the 2001 9/11 terrorist attacks were
Islamic extremists hijacked 4 passenger airlines and then few two into the twin towers in NY and another into the Pentagon. The other plane crashed into a field after passengers overpowered the terrorists
Explain how this had a very positive impact on Bush
His approval rating jumped massively as the public approved of how he handled the crisis. The approval rating proved pivotal in helping the Rs achieve full control of Congress in 2002 and 2004
Explain the 2005 Hurricane Katrina crisis
A hurricane hit New Orleans, killing 2,000 people and causing $125 billion of damage
Explain how this had a negative impact on Bush
The Bush administrations slow response and support for the much criticised Federal Emergency Management Agency was a low point for the presidency. This is seen as the main factor in the Rs losing both houses of congress in 2006
Explain the 2007-8 economic crisis
The financial crisis began under Bush and came to be a full scale recession
Explain how this was mixed for Obama
He was successful at handling the crisis, but the time and energy he dedicated to do so limited his ability to pursue his legislative agenda
Explain Hurricane Sandy in 2012
285 people died and 24 states were affected at a cost of $70 billion
Explain how this was positive for Obama
The Obama administration was praised for its swift response. This helped him in the election that year
Explain Hurricane Maria in 2017
3,000 people died as a hurricane hit Puerto Rico at a cost of $91 billion
Explain how this had a negative impact on Trump
A slow response from the Trump administration was followed by controversy as the lacklustre response was described by Trump as a great success
Explain the 2020 COVID pandemic
It swept the world. As of Nov 2020 there had been over 12 million cases in the USA and 255,000 COVID related deaths
