This upper-level elective will explore the various powers, roles, and political relationships of the American president. The reading assignments consist of texts which explain and provide different perspectives on these various aspects of the presidency. In particular, this course will analyze the conflicting perspectives of different presidents and political scientists concerning the appropriate powers and functions of the American president. Also, this course will reveal how and why the president's extra-constitutional powers and roles expanded beyond the original intent of the Founders.

Students are expected to complete reading assignments on time and to be prepared to discuss them in class when they are due. In order to assure adequate discussion of these readings, specific students will be designated to initiate the discussion of each reading for the next class. All students will fulfill this responsibility several times during the semester.