Final answer:
David Mervin uses the phrase 'an era of good feelings' to describe the president's relationship with Congress. This phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive and cordial atmosphere between the president and Congress.
Step-by-step explanation:
David Mervin uses the phrase 'an era of good feelings' to describe the president's relationship with Congress. This phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive and cordial atmosphere between the president and Congress, with the hope that this will encourage legislators to support the president's initiatives when necessary. Examples of favors in this relationship include supporting appropriations that benefit members' constituencies, traveling to members' home turf to help them raise funds for reelection, and appointing members' cronies to high office.