Spring 2007

GOV 379S • The Presidency and the Constitution - Hon - W

Course Description

In this Honors Seminar we will discuss a series of constitutional problems including: the place of executive energy in the American Constitution; presidential selection and the problem of political legitimacy; separation of powers; delegation of powers; impeachment; emergency powers, the constitutional status of war and foreign affairs, and the meaning of leadership in the constitutional order.

Grading Policy

The course grade will be calculated as follows: Seminar participation: 20% In-class tests: 30% (15% each) Term paper (18-25 pages): 50%

Texts

(tentative) The Federalist Michael Nelson, ed., The Presidency and the Political System Charles Black, Impeachment: A Handbook Louis Fisher, Congressional Abdication on War and Spending Thomas Cronin, Inventing the Presidency Stephen Weissman, A Culture of Deference Jeffrey Tulis, The Rhetorical Presidency George Edwards and Philip Davies eds., New Challenges for the American Presidency Kenneth Meyer, With the Stroke of a Pen

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