Posted: July 10th, 2013
Analytical Essay(decide by writer)
Please write an essay of 4 to 6 pages for the following question and submit it here when you finish. I expect you to write your essay based on the readings identified below, on class forums, and on lectures and other
video materials presented on the web site. I do not expect you to supplement these sources with outside research.
Question:
Presidents have constitutional, institutional, and political sources of power. Of these, the constitutional powers are arguably the weakest. In an essay assess the constitutional powers of the presidency and assess how
20th century presidents have been able to use institutional and political resources to overcome these weaknesses. In your opinion, based on the evidence that you have presented, what is the
likely future balance of power between Presidents and Congress? Why?
Readings that you should consult to answer this question:
Ginsberg, Lowi, Weir, and Spitzer, chapters 9-14
The Constitution of the United States (pp. A11-A30 in your text)