Historical Expansion of Executive Power

The discussion highlights the historical context of executive power in the United States, tracing its expansion since the Constitution's founding. The framers created the presidency as an independent branch with broad powers, although they may not have fully anticipated its evolution. Over time, especially in the last 25 years, there has been a significant acceleration in the interpretation and assertion of executive authority. Various administrations, particularly under George W. Bush, have aggressively expanded executive powers in ways that often disregard congressional statutes, contributing to a trend of increased executive dominance in governance.