The Imperial Presidency

Name: The Imperial Presidency
Author: Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
ISBN: 9780618420018

Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

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Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

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The Imperial Presidency traces the rise of executive power in America from the founding through the era of the Vietnam War and Watergate. Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., shows how the presidency has progressively expanded its powers beyond the limits set by the Constitution. He examines the critical decisions and events that allowed chief executives to bypass Congress and the courts and to conduct programs in secrecy. Schlesinger argues that the presidency, designed as a limited office, evolved into something approaching an elective monarchy. He explores how wars, emergencies, and the Cold War served as justifications for presidents to assume increasingly autocratic powers. The book analyzes specific presidential actions and philosophies that contributed to this dangerous expansion of executive authority. The author contends that the imperial presidency represents a fundamental threat to constitutional democracy and the separation of powers. Through historical analysis and careful examination of presidential conduct, Schlesinger demonstrates how the system of checks and balances has been systematically weakened.

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