First, an example—

The current budget impasse

No agreement on $112 billion

Appropriation

Context—

Different priorities

Congress wants to leave

President could veto

Congress can’t override

Budget one month late

And an election looms

Outcome???

Illustrates the separateness of the system, President and Congress in tandem.
 
 
 
 

Now a broader view—

What brings President and Congress together?

The budget

Taxes

Legislation

Treaties

Appointments

Why the friction?

Different institutions

And competing

Different constituents

Parties and ideologies

Different preferences, priorities

How does a president proceed?

Proposal;Advocacy;Negotiation;

Coalition; Compromise; Closure