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Presidential Communication During the Legislative Process

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  • Ian Ostrander
  • Joel Sievert

Abstract

Objective Presidents routinely employ public statements to inform Congress about their position on pending legislation. Position‐taking is strategic, with presidents choosing whether, how, how often, and when to intervene. We move beyond the traditional dichotomies of issuance and position to explore the timing and frequency of presidential position‐taking during the lawmaking process. Method We use Statements of Administration Policy (SAPs)–bill‐specific messages addressed to Congress–to analyze presidential communications. Our regression analyses examine both the frequency of SAPs usage on bills and when in the process presidents communicate their position. Results We find that presidents take positions sparingly and most often at the early stages of the lawmaking process. Conclusion Presidential communications during the lawmaking process are more about winnowing options and bargaining over bill text than influencing pivotal votes.

Suggested Citation

  • Ian Ostrander & Joel Sievert, 2020. "Presidential Communication During the Legislative Process," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 101(3), pages 1165-1182, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:101:y:2020:i:3:p:1165-1182
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.12786
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Binder, Sarah A., 1999. "The Dynamics of Legislative Gridlock, 1947–96," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 93(3), pages 519-533, September.
    2. Edwards, George C. & Wood, B. Dan, 1999. "Who Influences Whom? The President, Congress, and the Media," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 93(2), pages 327-344, June.
    3. Hans J. G. Hassell & Samuel Kernell, 2016. "Veto Rhetoric and Legislative Riders," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 60(4), pages 845-859, October.
    4. Neustadt, Richard E., 1954. "Presidency and Legislation: The Growth of Central Clearance," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 48(3), pages 641-671, September.
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