In an essay of 4 to 6 pages (1,000 to 1,500 words), please answer the following question by July 26 (5 pm). I expect you to write your essay based on the readings identified below each essay, on class forums, and on lectures and other video materials presented on the web site. I do not expect you to supplement these sources with outside research. I also expect you to provide appropriate citations to your sources. If this is the text, you should use parenthetical endnoting with specific page references (e.g. Ginsberg, et. al. 2014: 41). If you are citing a lecture, you should provide the lecture number. Videos should be named using the title from the web page. Please cite forum posts by the author’s name and the date of the post.

Analytical Essay #3

Presidents have constitutional, institutional, and political sources of power. Of these, the constitutional powers are arguably the weakest. In an essay, describe the constitutional powers of the presidency and analyze how 20th century presidents have been able to use their institutional and political resources to overcome these weaknesses. Given the evidence that you have presented, what is the likely future balance of power between Presidents and Congress? Why?

Readings that you should consult to answer this question: Ginsberg, Lowi, Weir, Tolbert, and Spitzer, chapters 9-14; The Constitution of the United States (in the appendix to your text)

Due Date: July 26th, 5 pm