congress

• president relations with congress - divided and undivided

  • Separation of powers prevents the president from being a member of Congress.
  • The relationship between Congress and the president depends on party control.
  • In a unified government, with the same party in control of the presidency and Congress, relations are generally better.
  • In a divided government, it is harder for the president to pass legislation through Congress.
• president and congress

  • The president can bypass Congress using executive powers if legislation fails.
  • In 2014, Obama used an executive order to grant "deferred action status" to some illegal immigrants.
  • National events can impact the president's relationship with Congress.
  • Congress tends to give the president more power during emergencies.
  • Presidential approval affects the president's relationship with Congress; lower approval ratings lead to more challenges from Congress.