Realistically, how long does it take to see the effects of a Presidential administration's policies?

Answer 1

Kudos for asking a very good question.

And remember that honestly the administration comes up with policies but congress has to pass them.

I would say economic policies at least 3-4 years if not more. depending on what they are.
Hence the tax cuts of the mid 80s leading to a robust economy in the 90s, followed by irresponsibility in administration in the 90s leading to some economic collapse around y2k.

War will have short term and long term effects.

Social reform might even take longer such as something like welfare reform.

Answer 2

it really depends on the policy... tax cuts, rate cuts/hikes or even wars can have a fairly quick effect on an economy... other changes take longer...

but what you also have to keep in mind... its often policies that are in congress too...and they probably have more of an effect overall...

I think the Republican Congress during Clinton's term and the Democratic Congress during Reagan's term had more of an effect than either president on economic policy...

but the president's often get the blame/praise...

and I'm pretty sure any congressman can introduce any bill at any time... which could easily effect the economy, if it's economic legislation...

it also seems a bit naive to think that Reagan created his own great economy in like 2 years... but Clinton was only riding on his coat tails for 8 years... especially after the recession of 92 that really hurt the economy right before he was elected...

Answer 3

Economic policies may take a year or more.

Sending troops into battle has more immedate effects.

If the political opposition wants to thwart the policies, they will often stage an immediate 'effect', especially if they are Leftists, to discredit the policy or at least make a lot of negative noise about it. Then, their folks working in Government will slowly but surely choke the policy to death with bureaucratic obstructionism.

Like, for example, the 'Armed Pilots' policy.

Answer 4

yes listen to speakeasy he's the only one that knows anything...those darn leftists are the worst that ever happened to government...they spent us out of that dreaded surplus....are borrowing at a fantastic rate....are keeping the dollar weak against the Euro they are basically the only thing wrong with America