Instructions:

Below are five questions. You will answer three from the groupings below. For each answer you should write extended essays that draw together your readings, class notes and class discussions. Each answer should be three to four typed, double-spaced pages. Answers should show a well thought out approach to the question. Quoting from the text or class notes is permitted, but should not take the place of your own thought. What is very important is your ability to focus on the central issues posed in the question, to argue persuasively and cogently, and to give the best examples possible in reinforcing your argument.

Please turn in your exam with a cover page with your name on it. Please do not include any other obvious identifying information on the remainder of your exam.

This examination counts as twenty-five percent of the final grade. Exams are due at the beginning of class on March 3rd.

Answer the following question:

1. Collier notes that most Presidential-Congressional studies focus on success rather than influence. What is the difference between success and influence and why is success studied more frequently than influence?

Answer one of the following two questions.

2. Explain the role time plays in the executive-legislative relationship. Why does it matter?

3. Congress wants to know what the President knows. The President wants Congress to know what he wants Congress to know. Explain and discuss the challenges this creates for the relationship.

Answer one of the following two questions.

4. What are the critical factors related to the design and function of a White House Office of Legislative Affairs? What works? What doesn’t? Draw from the text to make your case.

5. Is the President endogenous to or exogenous of the legislative process? When and under what circumstances can the President be excluded from the legislative process? When and under what circumstances can the President NOT be excluded from the process?

Required references:

1. Kenneth Collier, Between the Branches (1997). (This book is best acquired at http:/books.google.com/ebooks)

2. Louis Fisher, Constitutional Conflicts between Congress and the President 5th edition. (2007)

3. Michael Nelson, The Presidency and the Political System 9th edition. (2009)

4. James A. Thurber, Rivals for Power 5th edition. (2013)