Government by Committee: Presidency, a Position With Sparse Constitutional Direction, the
The writers of the Constitution had a basic idea of what they wanted in a president: a national leader who would carry out the law of the land, a statesman who could negotiate with world powers; a commander-in chief in times of conflict. It was impo...
Question of Sovereignty, A: Supreme Court's Role in Federalism, The
When conflicts arise over federalism, it is usually up to the Supreme Court to determine which level of government is best authorized to act. Their position has fluctuated throughout history. The commerce clause, often used to justify greater federa...
Question of Sovereignty, A: Perspectives on Federalism
Federalism, quips Jack Rakove, is the one topic in the history of political science that is the toughest to make sense of. Other noted political scientists add their perspectives on the federalist system, talking about the efficiencies and inefficie...
Global Politics: Players on the Foreign Policy Stage
The lack of a clear direction in foreign policy is complicated by the fact that so many people are getting into the act. The president, assisted by the Secretary of State, has a clear advantage when it comes to diplomacy, national security, or armed...
Government by Committee: Exponential Growth of the Presidency
Over the course of history, each of the president's constitutional powers has expanded beyond that which was originally envisioned. Foreign policy is a case in point. During most of the 19th century the federal government's policymaking role was sma...
Question of Sovereignty, A: Competition between Levels of Government
While the responsibilities of government have increased overall, states have retained most of their traditional authority. The fact that city and state politics generally has more to do with individual lives than the national government confirms for...
Living Constitution, The: Federalist Strategies in the Public Debate
The Constitution, crafted during the summer of 1787, now makes its public debut. Would the plan for a central government strong enough to govern this large nation be accepted by its citizens? The strategies to gain acceptance were remarkably similar...
Living Constitution, The: Amending and Interpreting the Constitution
The Constitution changes more through interpretation than through the formal amendment process, although there have been periods when numbers of amendments have been passed in a short period of time. The language of the Constitution tends to be very...
Living Constitution, The: Bill of Rights, The
There are strong Federalist majorities in the House and Senate when the first Congress convenes in the spring of 1789. Madison submits a draft of ten amendments to the House, even though he does not believe the Constitution needs a Bill of Rights. ...
Living Constitution, The: Anti-Federalist Arguments Against the Constitution
Opponents of the Constitution raised arguments against it that still echo in American politics. Concern over such issues as federal taxation, the potential oppressiveness of a national army, and the state-federal relationship still exist today. The ...