One of the greatest challenges to understanding the presidency today has been to reconcile the extraordinary powers of the executive with democracy. We will examine the questions and controversies about executive power under the Constitution including the war power, treaty power, and the power to issue executive orders and discuss whether those powers, exercised today are consistent with the Founders original understanding of the President’s role or if those powers constitute a necessary departure from the Constitution.

This program will be conducted as a discussion, utilizing primary source documents as the only readings, and with the Discussion Leader facilitating the conversation instead of lecturing or presenting. Registrants, therefore, are highly encouraged to read all the documents in advance and come ready with questions. Teachers will receive a Letter of Attendance at the conclusion of the seminar.