Power Shifts: Congress and Presidential Representation

The emergence of the modern presidency in the first half of the twentieth century transformed the American government, but it was Congress that granted presidents this power. John A. Dearborn's book "Power Shifts" shows that legislators acted on the idea of presidential representation and recast the nation's chief executive as its chief representative. However, in the 1970s, Congress sought to restore its place in a rebalanced system but found that their earlier success at institutional reinvention constrained their efforts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 10 September 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The emergence of the modern presidency in the first half of the twentieth century marked a significant transformation in the American government. However, it is surprising to note that Congress, rather than the presidents themselves, played a pivotal role in driving this change. Through a series of statutes and reforms, Congress endorsed presidential leadership in the legislative process and enhanced the chief executives' organizational capabilities.

The question arises as to why Congress granted presidents such power. In his book "Power Shifts," John A. Dearborn explores this question by examining the notion of presidential representation. Congress subordinated its own claims to establish itself as the primary representative institution of the nation. It envisioned the president, chosen by the country rather than by states or districts, as the superior steward of national interest. Consequently, Congress recast the president as its chief representative.

Dearborn's research reveals the full extent to which Congress's reforms rested on this notion of presidential representation. However, when the validity of this notion was questioned in the 1970s, Congress sought to restore its position within a rebalanced system. However, legislators also found that their previous success at institutional reinvention constrained their efforts to reclaim authority.

Through a comprehensive analysis of the evolving relationship between the presidency and Congress across various policy areas, "Power Shifts" exposes a fundamental dilemma within the proud tradition of constitutional adaptation. It sheds light on the complex dynamics and power struggles that have shaped the presidency and Congress over the years, and highlights the challenges that both institutions face in navigating the changing landscape of American politics.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226797830