Fully discuss the double expectations gap. What does each of the gaps mean for the power of the presidency?
What will be an ideal response?
The first expectations gap stems from presidential candidates having to make numerous campaign promises in order to get elected, although they do not have the constitutional powers to fulfill the promises they’ve made once elected. Therefore, the expectation that presidents will fulfill such promises typically cannot be met. The second expectations gap comes from the president having to fulfill multiple roles, which often conflict. For example, the president must serve as head of state, which is a unifying and symbolic role. However, this role is diminished by the requirements of the president’s head-of-government role. As head of government, the president must make partisan and divisive political decisions. It is difficult for the president to excel at both of these roles simultaneously. Consequently, presidents often cannot match what is expected of them.
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H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman
A) were arrested and charged with participating in the Watergate burglary. B) were the two Washington Post reporters who covered the Watergate burglary. C) were two high-ranking Nixon White House officials who resigned and subsequently were convicted of obstruction of justice for their role in the cover-up of the Watergate burglary. D) were CIA agents within the Nixon administration. E) are still working in the President's office.