What is meant by 'bargaining' in the context of presidential powers?

In the context of presidential powers, 'bargaining' refers to the process of negotiating compromises with legislators. This is a critical aspect of the legislative process, where the President must often work with Congress to achieve policy goals. Since legislation typically requires cooperation and consensus-building, the President uses bargaining as a means to foster collaboration by offering concessions or working out deal frameworks that address the interests of lawmakers.

Effective bargaining can involve multiple strategies, such as building coalitions, making trade-offs, or even leveraging public support to put pressure on legislators. This collaborative approach is essential because a President's success often depends on legislative approval for policies, budgets, and appointments. Therefore, understanding the role of bargaining helps in grasping how executive power interacts with legislative authority in the American political system.