Does high public approval correlate with increased presidential unilateral action? This research examines whether political sentiment constrains or encourages executive orders. Conventional wisdom suggests that presidents rely on unilateral power when unpopular; we find the opposite is true.
Data & Methods: Vector autoregression and Granger-causality tests analyze U.S. presidential approval ratings and executive order frequency (1945–2020).
Key Findings: Rising approval actually increases EO issuance, while low approval limits unilateral power use - contrary to previous assumptions.
Real-World Significance: This suggests presidents may strategically deploy unilateral actions as popularity grows. The pattern indicates democratic accountability operates in unexpected ways regarding presidential powers.
In essence: Higher political capital incentivizes more major unilateral moves.
