Neustadt’s Theory of Presidential Power:
In your answer, make sure to include a thesis statement (TS) and roadmap (RM)
What does Neustadt argue is the key source and method of exercising Presidential power? Why? What advantages does the president possess over Congress? Do you still believe Neustadt to be true today? Why? Why might bargaining be easier/harder today?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Neustadt’s Theory of Presidential Power: The Art of Persuasion and Skillful Bargaining
Thesis Statement (TS):
Neustadt’s theory of presidential power asserts that the key source and method of exercising power lies in the President’s ability to persuade and negotiate with various actors, including Congress. This essay will delve into Neustadt’s arguments on the nature of presidential power, the advantages the President holds over Congress, and whether his theories hold relevance in today’s political landscape.
Roadmap (RM):
1. Neustadt’s Notion of Presidential Power
2. Advantages of the President Over Congress
3. Relevance of Neustadt’s Theory Today
4. Contemporary Challenges to Presidential Bargaining
Neustadt’s Notion of Presidential Power:
Neustadt argues that the true power of the President stems from his ability to persuade rather than command. By cultivating relationships, leveraging expertise, and engaging in skillful bargaining, the President can navigate the complexities of governance and influence decision-making processes. Neustadt posits that a President who can effectively negotiate with Congress and other stakeholders holds the key to successful leadership.
Advantages of the President Over Congress:
The President enjoys several advantages over Congress, according to Neustadt. As the head of the executive branch, the President has greater flexibility in decision-making, quicker response times to crises, and a more unified platform for policy implementation. Additionally, the President’s national platform and symbolic role give them a unique position of influence over public opinion and policy agendas.
Relevance of Neustadt’s Theory Today:
In today’s political landscape, characterized by increasing partisanship and polarization, Neustadt’s theory of presidential power remains relevant. The need for persuasive leadership and effective negotiation skills is as critical as ever in navigating complex policy challenges and securing legislative victories. Presidents who can build coalitions, bridge divides, and engage in strategic bargaining are more likely to achieve their policy goals.
Contemporary Challenges to Presidential Bargaining:
While Neustadt’s emphasis on bargaining and persuasion still holds true, modern factors such as social media, 24/7 news cycles, and heightened ideological polarization present unique challenges to presidential bargaining. The speed of information dissemination, the influence of interest groups, and the erosion of traditional norms make bargaining both easier and harder for Presidents today. The need for adaptability, strategic communication, and coalition-building skills is essential in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
In conclusion, Neustadt’s theory of presidential power underscores the importance of persuasion and bargaining in effective governance. While his insights continue to offer valuable lessons for contemporary Presidents, the evolving dynamics of politics present new challenges that require nimble and strategic leadership. By understanding the nuances of bargaining in a complex political environment, Presidents can leverage their powers effectively and navigate the intricacies of governance in the 21st century.
