The Impact of the Modern Presidency on Presidential Success in the U. S. Congress

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the modem presidency on presidential programmatic success with Congress. Specifically, this study tests for the effects that war, presidential activism, presidential electoral margins, and the strength and cohesion of the president's party have had on the president's ability to have his legislative program enacted by Congress. Much change consistent with theory about the modern presidency is found, though continuity of party effects across both premoder and modern presidencies is also found.