Advice & Consent.... and Discontent
Presidents have their policy agendas (and the party's). As executive officer the president has over three thousand jobs to fill. This can cause conflict with Congress (policy can conflict with both houses, job filling requires the confirmation of the Senate).
Confirmation of presidential appointments: Cabinet members, ambassadors, and many judicial appointments require the Senate to confirm. This is a check on the Executive. While cabinet members are often chosen to bring balance to the administration (geographic representations, cultural representations, etc), ambassadors may be chosen more along the spoils system. Judges, many of which are life time appointments are important to shape policy long after the president's term is complete.
White House staff positions do not need to be confirmed and usually close and loyal to the president. These are the people who fill the White House and have the most direct and constant contact with the President.
Conflict between the presidential agenda and the congressional agenda: When the president uses his legislative powers (formal or informal, such as signing & vetoing, executive orders, and signing statements) he may find resistance from Congress. At times, executive orders are seen as a way to circumvent Congress and create resentment.
Confirmation of presidential appointments: Cabinet members, ambassadors, and many judicial appointments require the Senate to confirm. This is a check on the Executive. While cabinet members are often chosen to bring balance to the administration (geographic representations, cultural representations, etc), ambassadors may be chosen more along the spoils system. Judges, many of which are life time appointments are important to shape policy long after the president's term is complete.
White House staff positions do not need to be confirmed and usually close and loyal to the president. These are the people who fill the White House and have the most direct and constant contact with the President.
Conflict between the presidential agenda and the congressional agenda: When the president uses his legislative powers (formal or informal, such as signing & vetoing, executive orders, and signing statements) he may find resistance from Congress. At times, executive orders are seen as a way to circumvent Congress and create resentment.