What is the expectation behind the president's use of bargaining with Congress?

The expectation behind the president's use of bargaining with Congress is primarily to obtain legislative support. This process is crucial for a president because the legislative branch holds significant power over lawmaking and budget approvals. By engaging in bargaining, the president seeks to find common ground with Congress members, negotiating terms that will lead to the passage of legislation that aligns with their policy goals.

Bargaining can involve offering incentives, making concessions, or providing political favors, which can help to foster cooperation and build coalitions among lawmakers. The effectiveness of this strategy can significantly influence the administration's ability to enact its agenda and respond to national issues.

The other choices do not capture the primary goal of bargaining. For instance, enhancing partisan divisions would counter the intent of fostering cooperation necessary for legislative success. Expanding executive powers is typically a matter of legal and constitutional interpretation rather than the direct outcome of bargaining strategies. Avoiding public scrutiny would imply a desire to operate behind closed doors rather than working collaboratively and openly with Congress, which is essential in a democratic system where accountability is key.