how does PUBLIC OPINION limit the presidents power?

Question

How does Public Opinion limits the presidents power?

Answer 1

Everybody in government owes their jobs to supporting voters. If they go against the popular opinion, they are likely to lose votes and ultimately their job. Even if the president doesn't care (he can't run again) the Senators and Congressmen still have full careers ahead of them, if they don't make their constituents angry - so the Senators and Congressmen want it on record that they voted as the public opinion in their state dictates, and that limits the president's power.

Peace!

Answer 2

In theory, no. A president in America has next to no limit on their power. This is due to Executive Order, which allows the President to take actions without the approval of Congress - such as war. Examples: Korean War Vietnam War Gulf War Gredana Operation Desert Storm Modern Iraq Modern Afghanistan These were all "police actions" and do not require that Congress approves, unlike World War I and World War II. The President is, technically, limited by the provisions of the constitution but this is relative to the Judicial Branch's interpretation of the constitution, of whom the President can appoint. In practice, the President cannot get laws passed without enacting an Executive Order - he does however have Veto power to prevent laws from getting passed. He can grant - as you said - Reprieves, Pardons, and also Clemency (a stay of execution - overriding even a governor) Impeachment CAN be a way to remove a bad president but the next President (by-law his Vice-President) can pardon him with no legal recourse for the American people. In all honesty, the only way to remove a bad President would likely be assassination, but this of course leads to Martyrdom. Other documents exist limiting Executive power in other countries, such as the Magna Carta - which effected MANY European countries overtime.

Answer 3

Yes, if it is fed into the State and Federal legislatures.

The Neoconservatives effectively blocked public opinion before the war started. They had police roundups, scare tactics, they used the media to block facts-- it was demonically brilliant.

BUT after a time, the public stabilized and voted them out. Now it's up to the new government Republicans and Democrats to bring about the changes that the public wants. Or Public opinion will stand up again.

Answer 4

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it public opinion - in the form of a vote - how the President is granted his power in the first place?

Answer 5

It can only affect the president if he is the type that takes polls in order to govern. Clinton did a lot of this, and changed his opinions accordingly. Bush has a different style of governing. He decides based on what he and his advisors decide is the right way, then sticks with it.

Answer 6

Public opinion does not limit the presidents power. THIS secret and evil group has been in secret control of everything for far too long!...
http://www.rense.com/general58/suspre.htm

Answer 7

Only indirectly...If enough people write to their congressman, the congress can have an effect on the presidents power.

Answer 8

Well, I'll assume you're referring to second-termers, like our current President. The answer to your question can be found by looking at the recent congressional elections.

Answer 9

Well maybe you should ask Rumsfeld. It limits power but very slowly

Answer 10

It doesn't apparently, he's made that quite clear. There's no telling what this psycotic lame duck may do.