American History Hit How Much Power Does the President Have?
Dec 29, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Graham G. Dodds, an Associate Professor of History and author of 'The Unitary Presidency,' dives into the murky waters of presidential power in the U.S. He examines the origins of the unitary executive theory and its implications for democracy. Topics include the risks of centralized power, historical Supreme Court cases, and how past presidents like Cheney and Bush have shaped this theory. Graham also warns of contemporary threats like Project 2025, highlighting how the unitary approach could jeopardize checks and balances.
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What The Unitary Executive Claims
- The unitary executive claims the president should control all executive powers and supervise the entire executive branch.
- That centralization risks turning the presidency into an almost monarchical institution if fully realized.
Centralized Control Versus Checks
- Unitarians argue the president should directly control millions of executive employees and institutions.
- That level of control makes other branches and checks feel redundant and dangerous.
Constitutional Clauses Unitarians Rely On
- Unitarians rest their case on three Article II elements: the vesting clause, the oath, and the take-care clause.
- They interpret these to mean the president uniquely enforces and interprets executive law and constitutionality.