Congress Can Turn Public Opinion Against President: What Five Experiments Reveal

New experimental research reveals how Congress can mobilize public opinion to oppose presidential unilateral actions.

Experimental Evidence Shows...

• Methodology: Five experiments using nationally representative surveys. * Key Finding 1: Congressional challenges successfully eroded support for presidential unilateralism across foreign and domestic policy domains. * Key Finding 2: Explicit arguments about congressional prerogatives were particularly influential in swaying public opinion against the president's use of power. * Additional Insight: Constitutional objections raised by members of Congress proved more effective than other types.

This research resolves a debate regarding Congressional constraints on the presidency and demonstrates their capacity to influence political dynamics, even outside legislative checks.