How important is the executive office of the presidency? (15 marks)

The executive office is a combination of the top staff agencies in the White House, that provides the president with advice and support. Members focus on coordination, personnel management and advice giving. The presidents main advisory body is the cabinet but the White House Office anbd the Bureau of budget also have an important part to play in supporting the president.

Since the 1930's and 1940's, there has been an increase in federal buraucracy and as the presidency has grown, so has the executive branch. Many political programmes have expanded, therefore the agencies that run them have also developed. These agencies have also built strong links with Congress, as it is Congress who authorises their existance and finds the fund to finance them. As the executive office is not defined in the constitution, they have no jurisdiction or legitimacy to run government, however through the legislatures passing of the Recognition Act 1939, the executive office was approved. This is allowed a strong connection to be foremed between Congress and the executive office, due to the power Congress hold over their existance. Therefore, this makes the executive office a very important administration as they liason between the two branches of government, allowing cooperation for strong government. The role of the Executive Office is especially important when the legislature and executive are dominated by opposing parties, like it was during Obama's presidency, the executive office therefore encouraged a Bi-partisanship relationship to develop.

Futhermore, the executive office is important in teh presidency as the…