Author Question: Define the unitary theory of the executive and describe how it fits with the exercise of executive ... (Read 69 times)

Awilson837 · **on:** Jul 9, 2018

Define the unitary theory of the executive and describe how it fits with the exercise of executive power.

Using relevant examples, compare and contrast the relative success that Congress has had in constraining executive power with the relative success that presidents have had in gaining concessions (even if briefly) from Congress.Which branch has been more successful?

Question 2

The data from Howell and colleagues' research found __________.

A)broad support for the conclusion that a war always leads to an ideological shift in favor of the president's ideological leanings
B)no evidence that war had any effect on the ideological tendencies of congressional votes
C)limited evidence that congressional votes better reflected the president's ideological leanings during the Korean War
D)clear evidence that congressional votes were more ideological during the post-9/11 conflicts than in any other

zenzy · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 9, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The ideal answer should:
a. Define the unitary theory of the executive as the legal argument that presidents retain unrivaled control over the federal bureaucracy, and identify that presidents often invoke this theory as they seek power to help achieve their goals.
b. Discuss various ways in which Congress has successfully constrained presidential power; possible examples include: Jimmy Carter's struggle to pass various bills through Congress, Abraham Lincoln's struggles during the Civil War, and Barack Obama's 2011 jobs bill failure and difficulties because of partisan control of Congress (divided government).
c. Discuss various ways that presidents have successfully gained concessions from Congress; possible examples include: the brief existence of the line-item veto; executive agreements; lack of enforcement of the Wars Powers Resolution (1974 ); executive agreements; and signing statements.
d. Contrast the constraints with the concessions, and present an argument on whether Congress or the president has been more successful.

Answer to Question 2

C