Who determines a presidential mandate?

Answer 1

I am a Political Science student at the University of Michigan. I have closely studied the American Presidency for some time.

Basically, the people determine a presidential mandate. President's can claim a mandate to carry out certain policies, health care reform is an example. However, it is truly a mandate only if a majority of the American people (not a bare majority, such as 50.9%) acknowledged within themselves during the presidential campaign that they are wholly behind the president in his effort to carry out policy emphasized during that campaign. Presidential mandates are said to be myths by some political scientists for reasons such as: it is impossible to know the views of every citizen that makes up the majority on each separate policy. Myth or Fact? It is still a matter of debate. Many presidents have claimed mandates. Reagan and G.W. Bush are good examples. Do you think that they truly had a mandate?

I referenced the work of Robert A. Dahl a Sterling Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Yale University. His article "The Myth of the Presidential Mandate" gives a good outline of the debate over presidential mandates. I have tried my best here, however, I think it is important to read his article to gain a better understanding of the subject.