The American Presidency

The events of the last two decades have forced a national reexamination of the institution of the American presidency. Allies of former President Trump celebrated the disruption of presidential “norms” in support of rightwing populist ideas. Supporters of President Biden bemoaned the disappearance of those “norms” and saw, especially on January 6th, 2021, the threat that a resurgent “Imperial Presidency” could pose to American democracy and its constitutional system. Through a close examination of a dozen figures (Washington & Jefferson, Jackson & Lincoln, TR & FDR, LBJ & Nixon, Reagan & GW Bush, Obama & Trump), this course will introduce students to the evolution of the presidency. Besides providing a historical context for recent presidencies, the class will examine the nuts and bolts of the most powerful executive position in the world. What role have modern presidents played in shaping our economy, institutions, environment, and global systems? How have they responded to right and left-wing social movements through campaigns and policies? Are there any limits on presidential power at home and abroad? How have the nuclear and digital ages affected those powers? How are presidential legacies shaped and how do they affect how we analyze present day political figures? The core objective of this course is to assist students in acquiring the knowledge and analytical skills to assess the actions and rhetoric of a president and understand their role in shaping the United States and the wider world.