Fall 2007

GOV 370L • President, Congress and Court

Course Description

A Study of the political relationship of the President, Congress and Court in the American constitutional order. Has this relationship changed over the course of American history? Is American national politics prone to stalemate or deadlock between the branches regarding major issues of public policy? Do we have a new "imperial presidency?" Should the Court arbitrate disputes between the President and Congress over custody of their respective powers? We will examine questions like these in light of practical problems such as executive privilege and secrecy, the war on terror, budget politics and controversies regarding appointments to the Supreme Court

Grading Policy

Two in class essay test, for which study questions will be distributed in advance. The exam questions will be chosen from the list of study questions. No pop quizzes, no surpises. 45% (each test) Weekly reader responses posted on Blackboard and class discussion 10%

Texts

The Federalist Black, Impeachment Fisher, Congressional Abdication on War and Spending Rudalevige, The New Imperial Presidency Campbell, Separation of Powers in Practice A course packet of articles and essays

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