Shaping of the Presidency Simulation

Background

The founders gave particular focus to the forming of the Executive, when framing the constitution. Their experiment of governing the new nation with weak executive authority, via the Articles of Confederation had failed, yet many feared a too independent and too strong Executive office would instill tyranny. "Checks and Balances," were built with in the framework of the Constitution. The U.S. Constitution provides the framework for building the executive and other branches of government, but the Presidents and members of their circles of power have filled in the gaps of that framework. The power and impact of presidency has grown over the centuries, but it has not been a linear progression. Particular presidents and their presidencies have shifted the power of the presidency in weakened or strengthened directions which have lasted decades at a time.

In this simulation, students will gain an appreciation of the different historical factors involved in shaping the presidency. They will learn how historical perspective may help the current and future presidents better understand how to run their office, lest not be "condemned to repeat" mistakes from the past.

Procedure

Students will get an introduction to the shaping of the presidency by going through the "Shaping of the Presidency Tour." (There are detailed instructions at the beginning of the tour.)
Students are encouraged to take side trips on the tour, to learn as much as possible of the different aspects of the development of the presidency.
Either in a loose-leaf notebook or on banner paper, student or student groups should sketch their own timeline and take notes of different developments on it.
Different students or student groups may want to specialize in different aspects of development of the presidency, for later comparison and or compilation, such as:
- early influences
- First Lady influences
- contributions of cabinet or staff
- domestic or foreign policy development
- role of the press
- relations with congress
- influences of presidential campaigns
- etc.

Talking Points

(Internet Resources on G.W. Bush Administration)

What model or models of the presidency does George W. Bush seem to be drawing from?
What lessons of past presidencies might he pay more attention to?
In what historical direction does he seem to be pushing the presidency?
Who in the current Bush Administration seems to be exerting the most historical influence on the presidency?
How does First Lady Laura Bush's influence and style compare with Barbara Bush's or other first ladies?
How does having a split Congress (Republican majority in the House, and minority in the Senate) effect President Bush's relations with Legislative Branch?
Discuss some of the different factors in the historic development of the presidency, as suggested in the "Procedure" box above.
Is the presidency heading in a strengthening or weakening direction at the beginning of the 21st Century?
What current trends might influence the presidency of the 21st Century?
What characteristics would make up the ideal president and presidency for the early 21st Century?
How do the demands and opportunities of the presidency in the beginning of the 21st Century compare with previous eras?