Prerequisites: Constitutional Law: Separation of Powers, Federalism, and Fourteenth Amendment

Exam Type: No Exam

This course will explore the modern exercise of Presidential power in foreign affairs, military and covert actions, domestic affairs, and executive actions. We will consider the Vesting Clause, the Necessary and Proper Clause, and the Take Care Clause; the President’s war powers, treaties, and other diplomacy; the appointment and confirmation of Officers; the power to grant pardons and commutations; and ethical issues in Presidential administrations. The course will examine the extent of and constraints on Presidential power and the ways in which executive branch conflicts with the other two branches of government are addressed and resolved. While focusing on contemporary issues and recent disputes, the course will draw on historical precedent to give students a grounded and contextual understanding of Presidential power.

Note: This seminar is not available for cross-registration.

This offering substantially overlaps with Professor Prakash’s reading group, Readings in Presidential Power. Students cannot enroll in both for credit.