Week 6 Discussion: The Presidency

Please choose one of the following questions and react to it briefly in the discussion boards.

Discussion question options:

• The use of the electoral college in selecting a president has historically been quite controversial. Do you agree with Hamilton in that this “process of election affords a moral certainty, that the office of President will never fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications.”? Why or why not? Why might a different system be better/worse?

• Presidential power has expanded significantly since the founding. Is this expansion good or bad for governance in America? Why or why not?

• Think about what you have learned about the Presidency this week. Do you think President Trump and President Biden have responded to the Covid-19 epidemic similarly? Why or Why not?  What factors do you think explain the similarities and/or differences in how these presidents have responded and the powers they have used in response to Covid-19? [You may wish to refer to the Federalism and Covid-19 essay from earlier in the quarter as you think about your answer].

Week 6 Discussion: The Presidency Answer

Presidential power has expanded significantly since the founding. Is this expansion good or bad for governance in America? Why or why not?

 I think that the expansion of presidential power is both good and bad for governance in America. It is good in the sense that there will be greater efficiency because the decision-making will be inclined towards the president. For example, we can avoid gridlocks and necessary bills will be passed as they are needed.