assigment was to compare th views of presidential power and preisdential leadership by corwin and nesutadt include #1) their differing academic backgrounds and approaches to studying the presidency.
Maximizing the notion of a modern presidency, dating back to Franklin D. Roosevelt, political scientist Richard Neustadt argued that presidential power is influence (2). His concepts derive from that of a behavioralist perspective that is more consistent with Democratic views of the role of government (119). Neaustadt uses a pluralist view to understand the presidency. He implements “statecraft” approach to presidential leadership, which resembles that of Machiavellian politics (119). In contrast, constitutionalist Edward Corwin argued that legal authority secured presidential power (2). Corwin emphasizes the development of presidential power and presidential office under the constitution, he relies on “constitutional language and interpretations of presidents courts over time” (137). Corwin embraces Theodore Roosevelt’s “stewardship theory”, which calls for an assertive presidency that is confined only at points specifically prohibited by law (138).
In comparing the views of presidential power and presidential leadership between Richard Neustadt and Edward Corwin, it is important to examine their differing academic backgrounds and approaches to studying the presidency.
Richard Neustadt, a political scientist, approaches the study of the presidency from a behavioralist perspective. This perspective focuses on understanding human behavior and the motivations behind it. Neustadt argues that presidential power is essentially influence. He believes that a president's ability to persuade and negotiate is crucial in order to effectively lead and make decisions. Neustadt's concepts are rooted in a pluralist view of the presidency, which means that he sees the presidency as influenced by various competing interests and actors. This view aligns more closely with Democratic views of the role of government.
On the other hand, Edward Corwin, a constitutionalist, emphasizes the importance of legal authority in securing presidential power. He focuses on the development of presidential power and the presidential office as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Corwin relies heavily on "constitutional language and interpretations of presidents courts over time" to understand and analyze the presidency. He is particularly influenced by Theodore Roosevelt's "stewardship theory," which advocates for an assertive presidency. According to this theory, the president should take an active role in governing, as long as their actions are not explicitly prohibited by law.
To compare the views of Neustadt and Corwin on presidential power and leadership, it is essential to consider their different academic backgrounds and approaches. Neustadt's behavioralist perspective emphasizes the importance of influence and persuasion, while Corwin's constitutionalist approach focuses on legal authority and the role of the presidency as outlined in the Constitution.