The Constitution and Executive Power

In this course students will study the founders' understanding of executive power under the American Constitution and compare it to the contemporary view of executive power, known as "the unitary Executive". The unitary Executive cedes substantial power, both foreign and domestic, to the President, at the expense of Congressional and senatorial powers. We will begin with the philosophic foundations of executive power (Locke, Montesquieu) and then turn to Madison's Notes on the Federal Convention for the framing of the presidency and the subsequent constitutional controversies over the removal of power and treaty making. We will also analyze major Supreme Court decisions on executive power. (PSCI 0102 or PSCI 0305 or PSCI 0306) (American Politics)