November 19th notes

• The cabinet is composed of the heads of the major departments of the executive branch. It's not used as a collective decision-making body, and the presidents don't know the cabinet secretaries well.
• Presidents carry into office a broad political vision that reflects their ideology and priorities. Ex) Lyndon Johnson's "Great Society" or Reagan's negative view on government.
• The president is the "chief lobbyist" on his agenda issues; he gets them noticed by: using media, persuading legislators, and using his legislative liaison staff.
• Part of the president's job is to lead his party; he's "fundraiser in chief" for his party
• American presidents are now entering a new era in which there's more emphasis on managing economic regulations with the rest of the world. Trade regulations are particularly important.
• How a president handles crises can be critical to the success of his presidency.
• Presidents' actions in office reflect his personality characteristics which have an important effect on his success/failure.