Constitutional Ambiguity and the Interpretation of Presidential Power (SUNY series on the Presidency: Contemporary Issues)

Synopsis

Examines the role of constitutional ambiguity across the entire spectrum of American history and how it impacts our interpretation of presidential power.While the rise of autocratic presidential powers has been widely noted by scholars in recent years, with calls by some for a stronger or more accountable presidency, Constitutional Ambiguity and the Interpretation of Presidential Power is among the first entirely dedicated to a study of the impact of this ambiguity on how scholars, judges, and presidents have understood executive power. Embarking on a detailed examination of legal, historical, and political science literature across the broad scope of American history, Richard W. Waterman examines the concerns of the Constitution's Framers regarding the fear of monarchy and a tyrannical president. He then discusses the writing and ratification of the Constitution and by drawing on insights from the time of the Framers to the present day, he provides a unique historical timeline related to the discussion and analysis of constitutional ambiguity. Over the course of several chapters, he finds that no sole theory defines presidential power, and ambiguity rules the day, allowing presidents to find power in the Constitution's silences as well as its various nooks and crannies, which has led to the very real danger of an autocratic presidency.

Copyright:

2025

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

Book Size:

324 Pages

ISBN-13:

9798855801187

Related ISBNs:

9798855801200, 9798855801194

Publisher:

State University of New York Press

Date of Addition:

02/01/25

Copyrighted By:

SUNY

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

History, Nonfiction, Law, Legal Issues and Ethics, Politics and Government

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.