CHAPTER 1: THE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT
Table of Contents
1. A CHANGING PRESIDENCY ................................................................................ 1
2. INFLUENCES...................................................................................................... 4
3. IMPACT OF WAR ON POLITICS ............................................................................ 6
INTRODUCTION PLANNING
• Three clear criteria should be introduced in the essay’s introduction and consistently applied
to analyse each piece of evidence throughout the essay. Each paragraph should reference all
three selected criteria. Examples of possible criteria include:
• For example, use criteria such as an event’s long-term impact, widespread impact, role in
changing the US political party in power, effect on public attitudes, or how deep its impact
on policy change was.
1. A CHANGING PRESIDENCY
CHANGING PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP STYLES (FDR)
FDR
• Markedly different from his predecessor (Hoover): FDR reshaped the nature of presidential
leadership and altered the balance of power within the federal government.
• Personality: charismatic leadership and communication skills, highlighted in his presidential
campaign in 1932 – this enabled the Democratic Party’s dominance and helped secure public
and congressional support for New Deal, which in turn increased federal involvement in
public affairs.
• Boosted media and public involvement: fireside chats (radio broadcast series) improved
relationship with the public – president became a permanent feature of modern politics,
reached millions – created a more engaged and informed electorate – increased public
understanding.
, • Increased federal power and expanded executive branch: the branch became more involved
in socioeconomic policy – e.g. expanded its role in addressing social inequality, thus shifting
power away from states, which persists today in sectors such as healthcare – strengthened
the role of presidency.
• Breakdown of separation of powers: FDR’s court-packing plan (1937) proposed adding more
justices to the Supreme Court who would vote in his favour – however, the breakdown was
ultimately limited (the Supreme Court remained independent) - political pressure was
applied in the short-term (the SC was more willing to pass New Deal legislation).
• SUMMARY: mostly had a deep and widespread impact on climate / attempt to undermine
the separation of powers had a short-term and limited effect, when judged against long-
term impact, widespread impact, and depth of policy change.
CHANGING PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP STYLES (1945-72) OVERVIEW
TRUMAN
• Personality: did not work particularly well with Congress – they blocked many of the reforms
he wanted.
KENNEDY
• Personality: youthful, energetic leadership.
• Media: deeply conscious of the importance of image and presentation – tirelessly practised
the delivery of his speeches, helping shape public attitudes and strengthen his political
image.
• Policies: less proactive on domestic issues, increased involvement in foreign policy (Bay of
Pigs), showing a stronger impact on foreign affairs than on domestic change.
LBJ
• Personality: ‘the Johnson treatment’ (bullying and persuading) – able to intimidate
competitors, increasing his short-term influence over decision-making and Congress.
• Policies
• Poor communication
NIXON
• Personality: paranoia rooted in a need to prove himself, which affected his leadership style
and contributed to public suspicion of his presidency.
• Watergate scandal
CARTER
• Iranian hostage crisis
Table of Contents
1. A CHANGING PRESIDENCY ................................................................................ 1
2. INFLUENCES...................................................................................................... 4
3. IMPACT OF WAR ON POLITICS ............................................................................ 6
INTRODUCTION PLANNING
• Three clear criteria should be introduced in the essay’s introduction and consistently applied
to analyse each piece of evidence throughout the essay. Each paragraph should reference all
three selected criteria. Examples of possible criteria include:
• For example, use criteria such as an event’s long-term impact, widespread impact, role in
changing the US political party in power, effect on public attitudes, or how deep its impact
on policy change was.
1. A CHANGING PRESIDENCY
CHANGING PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP STYLES (FDR)
FDR
• Markedly different from his predecessor (Hoover): FDR reshaped the nature of presidential
leadership and altered the balance of power within the federal government.
• Personality: charismatic leadership and communication skills, highlighted in his presidential
campaign in 1932 – this enabled the Democratic Party’s dominance and helped secure public
and congressional support for New Deal, which in turn increased federal involvement in
public affairs.
• Boosted media and public involvement: fireside chats (radio broadcast series) improved
relationship with the public – president became a permanent feature of modern politics,
reached millions – created a more engaged and informed electorate – increased public
understanding.
, • Increased federal power and expanded executive branch: the branch became more involved
in socioeconomic policy – e.g. expanded its role in addressing social inequality, thus shifting
power away from states, which persists today in sectors such as healthcare – strengthened
the role of presidency.
• Breakdown of separation of powers: FDR’s court-packing plan (1937) proposed adding more
justices to the Supreme Court who would vote in his favour – however, the breakdown was
ultimately limited (the Supreme Court remained independent) - political pressure was
applied in the short-term (the SC was more willing to pass New Deal legislation).
• SUMMARY: mostly had a deep and widespread impact on climate / attempt to undermine
the separation of powers had a short-term and limited effect, when judged against long-
term impact, widespread impact, and depth of policy change.
CHANGING PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP STYLES (1945-72) OVERVIEW
TRUMAN
• Personality: did not work particularly well with Congress – they blocked many of the reforms
he wanted.
KENNEDY
• Personality: youthful, energetic leadership.
• Media: deeply conscious of the importance of image and presentation – tirelessly practised
the delivery of his speeches, helping shape public attitudes and strengthen his political
image.
• Policies: less proactive on domestic issues, increased involvement in foreign policy (Bay of
Pigs), showing a stronger impact on foreign affairs than on domestic change.
LBJ
• Personality: ‘the Johnson treatment’ (bullying and persuading) – able to intimidate
competitors, increasing his short-term influence over decision-making and Congress.
• Policies
• Poor communication
NIXON
• Personality: paranoia rooted in a need to prove himself, which affected his leadership style
and contributed to public suspicion of his presidency.
• Watergate scandal
CARTER
• Iranian hostage crisis
