number of executive orders by president in first week

The Presidential Honeymoon: Fact or Fiction?

When it comes to presidential success, many people believe that a president's first hundred days set the tone for their entire term. This phenomenon is often referred to as the 'presidential honeymoon.' But how accurate is this concept? According to research by Casey Dominguez, presidents do enjoy greater rates of success with Congress early on, thanks in part to historical circumstances.

For example, Franklin D. Roosevelt was president during the Great Depression and had large Democratic majorities in Congress, which helped him pass a significant number of bills in his first hundred days. In fact, Dominguez identifies FDR's first 100 days as exceptional, with an unusually high number of bills passed and more than one major piece of legislation enacted.

However, despite the initial success, early legislative productivity has declined over time. According to Frendreis, Tatalovich, and Schaff, changes in how Congress works are largely responsible for this decline. Additionally, the state of the economy and whether the same party controls the presidency and Congress also play a significant role.

So, what should we expect from new presidents during their first hundred days? While some presidents may be able to replicate FDR's impressive achievements, others may struggle to make an impact. In fact, available evidence suggests that presidential productivity has decreased since FDR's time. For every president since FDR, the pressure is on to match his accomplishments.

In light of this history, what standard should we hold Donald Trump to? As he begins his presidency, Trump faces high expectations and will be judged by how much he can accomplish during his first hundred days. Will he be able to pass significant legislation and shape the country's direction, or will he struggle to make an impact?

Ultimately, the presidential honeymoon is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by many factors. While some presidents may enjoy greater success early on, others may face challenges in enacting their agenda. As we look ahead to Trump's presidency, it remains to be seen whether he can buck the trend and achieve significant legislative accomplishments during his first hundred days.

'Number of Executive Orders by President in First Week'

Number of executive orders by president in first week