Chapter 3 - Interpretations and debates around the US presidency (NF) Flashcards
What did the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and economic Security Act do?
Passed in March 2020, it gave $2.2 trillion stimulus to the US economy.
What did Professor Arthur Schlesinger popularise in 1973?
The concept of the imperial presidency, saying it had become ‘emperor-like’.
What is the imperial presidency?
A presidency characterised by the misuse of presidential powers, dominating Congress and conducting foreign policy independently. An imperial president transcends the limitations of powers and therefore their behaviour is unconstitutional.
When did the imperial presidency begin?
With F.D.R. in the 1930s.
What did President Nixon say about presidential power, proving he was an imperial president?
‘If the president does it, it’s not illegal.’
When was the Case Act passed?
1972
What did the Case Act do?
Force presidents to inform Congress of all executive agreements.
When was the War Powers Act passed?
1973
What did the War Powers Act do?
Forced the president to seek congressional approval of military action within 60 days.
What is the imperilled presidency?
The term coined by President Ford that refers to an overly assertive Congress and an excessively large bureaucracy limiting the president’s power.
What action did President Nixon take in 1969 that is evidence of the imperial presidency?
Secret bombing of Cambodia that was done without Congressional approval.
Why does unified government allow for an imperial presidency?
Oversight is reduced by Congress.
Why does the ‘power of the purse’ prevent an imperial presidency?
Congress can reject a budget and force the president to compromise.
What period of a presidency prevents them being imperial?
The lame duck period.
Despite Trump being a self-styled imperial president, what events would suggest he was not?
He was frustrated by Congress in building his wall and he failed to repeal Obamacare.
