Also the President can veto a bill which has been passed by both houses of congress. Finally he is entitled to make recommendations on legislation to the congress. (Maidment & Tappin, 1989, P43) Despite this panoply of powers, it becomes clear that the president is limited in practice.
Reforms undoubtedly affected the balance within the American system, dramatically reducing the powers of the President. McKay states that by the mid 1960's the Presidential office had grown enormously in power, and the pressures imposed by the Vietnam War and a declining economy tested the office to the full. The potential for the abuse of power was considerable. Richard Nixon took full advantage, exercising the veto power extensively. However, legislation such as the 1973 War Powers Act increased accountability of the president, reducing his ability to influence policy direction. McKay, 2001, P188) McKay concludes that following these measures, president watchers now talk of the decline of presidential power and the resurgence of congress. (McKay, 2001, p190).
One of the main powers of the President comes through his position as head of the executive branch. The executive office, staffed by 2000 people, consists of the Whitehouse office, the office of administration, the office of management and the budget, policy development and the national security council. Since the mishaps of Nixon's reign, congress has tightened control, at the expense of the presidents ability to lead with such previous effectiveness. (Fisher, 1993, P115) Statutory restrictions in 1978 reflected a change in attitudes towards the executive office. Closer controls were also applied to the office of management and budget, long considered a presidential staff agency. Also, in 1973, congress proposed to subject the OMB director and deputy director to Senate confirmation, despite the disapproval of the Nixon administration, who insisted the senate scrutiny of appointees should not extend to the inner circle of presidential advisors.
