ABSTRACT
The most direct kind of voter policy influence becomes possible when a strong majority of the voting public agrees that a particular problem deserves the immediate attention of the national government. Such cases are called “voter driven” because the national agenda following any election that features such a consensus is largely fixed by popular demand. New presidents facing clear and widespread expectations have, in effect, been given their marching orders. Although they retain considerable freedom of choice concerning exactly how to proceed, such presidents do not have the political leeway to ignore or downplay the problems that trouble such a large proportion of the American people. They also have reason to test their plans in the court of public opinion before proceeding.
