who was more successful in dealing with Congress and why? President Kennedy or President Johnson?
That is easy. President Johnson was able to pass all of Kennedy's proposed legislation. Why? LBJ was a very forcefull person, as compared to JFK who tried often to lead by inspiration and argument. LBJ often just gave offers that no one (dared) could not refuse.
It probably helped LBJ that JFK was an icon, and it was invoked by LBJ.
To determine who was more successful in dealing with Congress, President Kennedy or President Johnson, it is important to evaluate their respective relationships with Congress and their legislative achievements. Let's break it down step by step to understand the process.
1. Gather information about President Kennedy's relationship with Congress:
- Review Kennedy's major domestic and legislative accomplishments, such as the New Frontier programs, the establishment of the Peace Corps, and the successful passage of the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1963.
- Research Kennedy's ability to work with Congress by analyzing the legislation he was able to pass, the support he received from Congressional members, and his overall success rate in getting his policies enacted into law.
2. Gather information about President Johnson's relationship with Congress:
- Look at Johnson's significant domestic achievements, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the War on Poverty programs (including Medicare and Medicaid).
- Research Johnson's approach to working with Congress, his ability to negotiate and rally support for his policies, and his success rate in implementing his legislative agenda.
3. Compare Kennedy and Johnson's relationships with Congress:
- Analyze the legislative achievements of both presidents and evaluate the significance and impact of their policies.
- Assess the level of cooperation and support they received from members of Congress.
- Consider the political climate during their presidencies, as external factors can also influence success in dealing with Congress.
4. Formulate a conclusion based on the gathered information:
- Consider the strength of Kennedy's legislative achievements and his ability to work with a divided Congress during his short time in office.
- Compare this with Johnson's ability to pass transformative legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act, by skillfully navigating the political landscape and utilizing his experience and influence in Congress.
By following these steps and researching the relevant information, you can evaluate and compare Kennedy and Johnson's relationships with Congress to form a clear conclusion about who was more successful in dealing with Congress and why.