Throughline
The Evolution of Presidential Power
Feb 20, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Andy Rudalevich, a Bowdoin College professor specializing in the executive branch, unpacks the evolving nature of presidential power. He explores the ambiguous powers outlined by the Constitution and traces their expansion through historical crises. Notably, Rudalevich delves into the impact of the Cold War, the 9/11 attacks, and recent unilateral actions like student loan forgiveness. He emphasizes the delicate balance between executive authority and democratic oversight, shedding light on the complexities of the presidency today.
51:40
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Quick takeaways
- The framers of the U.S. Constitution intentionally left presidential powers vague to allow flexibility and adaptation to changing governance needs.
- Historical crises have repeatedly led to significant expansions of presidential authority, illustrating the tension between effective leadership and potential tyranny.
Deep dives
The Birth of the Executive Branch
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 marked a pivotal moment in American history as the framers grappled with the question of how much power to grant the executive branch. Initially, the government was ineffective, struggling to manage post-Revolutionary War challenges, leading to concerns about potential tyranny. Amid this chaos, the framers recognized the need for a centralized authority to enforce laws, yet they were wary of establishing a strong monarchy-like figure. The eventual solution was to create an executive branch led by a president, as codified in Article II of the U.S. Constitution, while ensuring that the power granted remained balanced and constrained.
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