The Presidency and the Bureaucracy
Overview
In this unit, we will examine in-depth the three branches of the federal government: the legislative branch, the executive branch (including the bureaucracy) and the judicial branch. We will examine how the Constitution structures each branch in terms of separation of power and checks and balances. We will also trace how each branch has changed over time and why. Throughout this unit, we will ask the following questions: who has power in our government and why? are the branches of our government democratic? fair? how might they be reformed or changed to be more democratic or more fair. In addition to studying each branch in isolation, we will also pay attention to the interactions between the branches, particularly in terms of how the branches tussle for power and how the balance of power has shifted over time.
The Executive Branch: The Presidency & the Bureaucracy
Resources you will need:
Topic #1: The Presidency and the Constitution
- How does the Constitution define the role of the presidency?
- How did the Framers try to balance the need for centralized authority and a fear of tyranny? Check out Hamilton’s Federalist #70.
Topic #2: The President’s Many Roles
- What role should the chief executive play in a democratic society?
- What are the many roles played by modern presidents?
Topic #3: Presidential Character and Presidential Greatness
- Rating Presidential Greatness: Schlesinger: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/choice2004/leadership/schlesinger.html
- James Barber, “The Presidential Character
Topic #4: The Imperial Presidency–Thought Talk#3 (Emily S.& Charlotte)
- What is the “imperial” presidency?
- Has the imperial presidency returned under George W. Bush?
