In what ways does the U.S. Presidency support and limit the formation of an ideal democracy?

The presidency as an institution expanded when corporate capitalism developed and federal government grew in both power and size. This led to federal government increases in that federal law could regulate the firm’s behavior that now operates nationally. The federal government became in charge of economic management. Third the federal government created a welfare state and lastly federal government grew in response to the global character of corporate capitalism and how the US became globally powerful. The President contributes to the federal government and makes decisions. The U.S. Presidency has power amongst members of Congress, their standing with the media, and their popularity amongst American citizens. The President of the United States is both head of state and head of government. The President also manages the executive branch which helps influence how federal policy is interpreted and implemented.

The President has a major impact in foreign policy.  First he is the still the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces.  Second the President can uses crises to focus attention on Congress and their office where this does not allow the Congress to challenge it.  Third the president is still in control over foreign affairs and information regarding foreign affairs.  Lastly the President has huge staff resources that can help defend him to the media. 

Resources:

Katznelson, Ira, Mark Kesselman, and Alan Draper. The Politics of Power: a Critical Introduction to American Government. Belmont, CA: Thomson Higher Education, 2006. Print.

The Electoral College is America’s voting system and even if a candidate wins popular vote he or she must win the state’s electoral vote to be the next President.  Here are a few resources that show what states are mostly Republican and Democrat and what their electoral vote is.

http://www.electoral-vote.com/

http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/historical.html

What are your predictions for the 2012 Presidential elections?  What states will change parties or grow with their current party?