In a discussion of modern U.S. politics, Kenneth Janda, a professor emeritus in political science, the participants that he did not see the present Congress stopping President Bush from following his own agenda in Iraq.
“Was this a president’s war, or the Congress’ war?” said Janda, who retired in September after 41 years at Northwestern.
Speaking to a group of about 10 people in Norris University Center on Wednesday, Janda, noted that in the history of the United States, Congress has declared war only five times.
This statistic would make it unlikely for the United States to take such an action these days, but it hasn’t stopped presidents in the past from declaring war, he said.
“This Congress is not going to limit the powers of the president, that’s for sure,” Janda said.
Although he reviewed the various measures by which the president must consult with Congress before initiating a war, he also noted that “all presidents take upon themselves the capacity to declare war.”
The event was organized to give international students a chance to meet each other and discuss their political views. Kerstin Mercer, a Communication junior from Switzerland, attended the event with her roommate.
“We came to gather ammunition for our arguments,” Mercer said. “It makes for some great discussions.”
The “coffee hour,” which was open to all students, was organized by NU’s International Office. The office hosted similar discussions earlier this year, with topics such as “Relationships” and “Orientation to Chicago.” Two more coffee hours are scheduled for May.
“(Coffee hours) are opportunities for international students to meet and interact with other students and faculty members,” International Office Assistant Director Mary Schnetz said.
Besides talking about the situation in Iraq, Janda led a discussion of the U.S. political party system, talking about the vast differences between the various political parties.
Americans make a mistake when they refuse to consider a candidate’s political party in an election, Janda said, adding that a candidate’s party is “the one thing you do know” about that person.
Elections are continually significant throughout U.S. politics, he said. He even compared it to cycles of the solar system.
“Most nations across the world have a parliamentary government, the United States does not,” he said. “In our system, every time the Earth goes around the sun twice, we have an election.”
The consequence, he continued, is a government continually preparing for elections. He provided as an example the decision to hold the Republican National Convention just days before the anniversary of the Sept. 11 tragedy.
Janda said in a parliamentary system, where such strategic, long-range election planning is non-existent “you’re more likely to get coherent policy.”
But Janda said despite the theories he discussed, there is no blueprint for the future of U.S. politics.
“We just don’t really know how things are going to unfold for a while,” he said.
