Posted: December 3rd, 2013
Institutional Government
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)
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Required Reading
The text for the class is Benjamin Ginsberg; Theodore Lowi; Margaret Weir; Caroline Tolbert; and Robert Spitzer. We The
People: An Introduction to American Politics.
Ninth Essentials Edition. WW Norton. 2013.
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Topics for July 29-30
1.The Courts: Foundations of Institutional Power
2.The Federal Courts: Organization and Power
1.Policymaking (domestic and foreign)
2.Can the American government govern?