The concept of the US being ruled by two centers of power was introduced by Wildavsky in 1966 (Fleisher, Bond, Krutz, and Hanna 4; Wildavsky 23). The author argued that one presidency was involved in ensuring domestic affairs of the country were maintained as intended.
The other presidency focused on ensuring that the US was maintaining good relations with other nations and the nation reacted in response to external aggression (Wildavsky 23).
I find merit to the idea that the US should adopt a system that is characterized by two executives. One of the executives should focus on domestic policy while the other one should concentrate on foreign policy.
The importance of foreign policy cannot be overstated. The aspect is essential because the US exists within the context of the international community. For example, the country needs to maintain its good relations with the existing trade partners as well as with the aspiring trade partners.
Also, the superpower has to protect its citizens from any form of external aggression that could destabilise the economy of the country. The statements about the need to focus on foreign policy do not underestimate the pivotal impact of domestic policy.
One presidency has to ensure that the internal affairs of the country are running so that it can be on track with regard to economic growth.
The evidence for the need of two presidencies could be traced to the World War II, when it was demonstrated that the presidency had more powers to execute duties with regard to foreign policy than those related to domestic policy.
The role of the presidency during the time of World War II was so essential in protecting the interests of Americans both locally and internationally.
Currently, the president has the power to act in response to terrorist attacks that affect its citizens or other countries across the world. In fact, the presidency can order at any time for the deployment of the US military to the affected areas.
In the recent past, the presidency ordered for the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, which were regarded as the centers of terrorism across the world. The illustrations reflect the importance of having a presidency with the power to commit resources to foreign missions.
Such powers are vested in the presidency. For example, the power of a Commander –in-Chief gives the president the authority to command the military to invade foreign countries (Wildavsky 28).
The presidency reacted in a swift manner during the attack on South Korea and accumulation of powerful missiles in Cuba. In fact, even the general public expects that the presidency has to act in response to external insecurity issues.
In order to act on domestic matters, the presidency has to win the support of the Congress (Fleisher et al 5; Wildavsky 30).
For example, the presidency could have a bright idea of improving accessibility of healthcare by the US citizens, but such a move cannot be passed without the support of a majority number in the Congress.
Thus, the presidency has limited powers to commit resources toward domestic affairs unlike those intended for foreign policy.
In conclusion, there is a need to adopt a governing system that has two presidencies that could have independent powers. One presidency would focus improving domestic policy while the other one would concentrate on ensuring that the US has an excellent platform of foreign policy.
This could be essential in the context of an increasing demand for protection against terrorists and the need to improve domestic policy of the country.
Works Cited:
Fleisher, Richard, Jon R. Bond, Glen S. Krutz, and Stephen Hanna. “The demise of the two presidencies.” American Politics Research 28.1 (2000): 3-25. Print.
Wildavsky, Aaron. “The two presidencies.” Society 35.2 (1998): 23-31. Print.