Cooperation and Conflict: Barack Obama's Relationship with Congress

Extract

[...] It is also worth mentioning that the cooperative efforts following the 2008 recession are seen as a manifestation of bipartisan collaboration in times of crisis, and serve as proof of bipartisanship's power during these challenging times (Lucero, 2019). The unity of lawmakers across the political spectrum was evident in passing several stimulus packages and financial reform measures, which helped stabilize the financial markets, create jobs, and set the stage for economic recovery. Alongside the enactment of landmark healthcare reform legislation, also known as the Affordable Care Act the two parties reached a bipartisan policymaking decision (Lucero, 2019). The goal of ACA was to expand healthcare access for millions of Americans, but Republicans resisted it. [...]

[...] Conclusion A complicated dynamic of cooperation, disagreement, and party confrontation marked the relationship between Obama and Congress during his presidency. During his presidential career, Obama confronted the problematic tasks of pushing his policy agenda, tackling a divided political environment, and fighting the resistance from congressional Republicans who were dug in the process. However, the challenges were not without their flaws, and Obama was able to utilize his legislative accomplishments by passing the Affordable Care Act and economic stimulus packages. When reflecting on Obama's era, the picture of executive-legislative relations becomes clear. [...]

[...] Contrary to him, this shutdown was an attempt by Cruz to tear down the Affordable Care Act. While this was a significant legislative accomplishment for Obama, it showed the broad opposition against Obama's work by Conservatives (Watson et al., 2019). The Republicans in Congress opposed this expansion of power through legislative means, devising a number of bills and motions aimed at reversing executive orders, undoing regulations, and curbing presidential authority. Although not all these initiatives succeeded, they showed the depth of Republican disapproval of the Obama presidency and his policy priorities. [...]

[...] The pragmatism, optimism, and inclusivity of Obama's leadership style led to the development of the approach to governance and working with Congress. Looking ahead, there are a number of things that can be learned from Obama's presidency about the challenges and opportunities involved in American politics. Through the emphasis on bipartisanship, transparency, and accountability, future administrations could build on President Obama's legacy. They thus could strive towards a more efficient and responsive government that will take care of everyone's interests. [...]

[...] Importance of the Relationship between the President and Congress The intricate balance of power from the executive to the legislative branches is crucial to the American governing system. Since Congress is the body that passes laws, it has vast powers over the direction in which national policy is headed. The task of making laws, ruling the budgetary process, and a host of others must be emphasized in governance's role in shaping the contours. However, the President does not hold unlimited power. [...]