Imperial Presidency and American Politics: Governance by Edicts and Coups

The presidency has grown in power over the years, with presidents acting unilaterally and disregarding Congress. This has led to a new separation of powers, where the president exercises power and the other branches are separated from it, ultimately undermining American representative democracy.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 148 pages
\n Publication date: 28 July 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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The perception of Donald Trump as a novel threat to American democracy may have led some to believe that the danger has passed. However, it is essential to acknowledge that Trump was merely the latest in a long line of presidents who have expanded the powers of the office and exercised unilateral action when it served their interests. This trend has been a persistent feature of American politics for several decades.

While presidents are elected democratically, the presidency itself is not a democratic institution. The framers of the Constitution intended for the Congress of the United States to be the governing body, with the president wielding power only when necessary. However, in reality, the president has become the dominant force in government. Congress sporadically engages in law-making, but the president often governs through edicts and executive orders.

The Congress has transformed into an inquisitorial body rather than a legislative one. Presidents issue decrees, while their opponents in the Congress threaten impeachment as a means of countering their actions. While the courts may express dissatisfaction with the president's actions, they generally support them. This has led to a new separation of powers, where the president exercises power and the other branches are separated from it.

The imperial presidency is a threat to American representative democracy. Regardless of who occupies the Oval Office, the presidency's expansion of power and unilateralism undermines the principles of democracy. It erodes the balance of power and the checks and balances that are essential to a healthy political system.

The erosion of representative democracy has far-reaching consequences. It undermines the trust of the American people in their government and erodes the democratic legitimacy of the president's actions. It also contributes to the rise of authoritarianism and the concentration of power in the hands of a few.

To address the threat of the imperial presidency, it is essential to strengthen the role of Congress and restore the balance of power. This can be achieved through measures such as reducing the president's power to make executive orders, increasing the power of the Congress to override presidential vetoes, and reforming the impeachment process to ensure that it is conducted fairly and transparently.

Furthermore, it is important to promote civic education and engagement to empower the American people and ensure that they are well-informed about the political process. This can include initiatives to increase voter registration, promote civic literacy, and encourage public participation in government.

In conclusion, the imperial presidency is a threat to American representative democracy. It is essential to address this threat through measures that strengthen the role of Congress, promote civic education, and restore the balance of power. By doing so, we can ensure that the American political system remains a democratic institution that serves the interests of the American people.

\n Weight: 238g\n
Dimension: 151 x 227 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367619961\n \n