Graduation Year
2015
Date of Submission
4-2015
Document Type
Campus Only Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Government
Reader 1
Giorgi Areshidze
Reader 2
George Thomas
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
© 2015 Kosta A. Psaltis
Abstract
In this thesis I diagnose the health of the United State’s constitutional regime and extensively explore the changing relationship between Congress and the president. I began by diving into the arguments laid out in The Federalist Papers to explain the basis of America’s separation of powers system. I then explore the rise of presidential power and the increase in congressional deference and abdication through the lens of the budget process and war authority. Next, I provide suggestions for ways in which Congress should assert itself. Lastly, I provide recent indications that Congress may be willing to express its institutional will. In conclusion, I argue that the modern world has changed the incentive structure for representatives who now cater primarily to their constituents and avoid making controversial decisions instead of acting as a check on executive power. I distribute blame between Congress and American citizens for allowing this change to occur and stress the importance of civic education and civic participation in a healthy constitutional regime.
Recommended Citation
Psaltis, Kosta, "Presidential Power in an Era of Congressional Deference: How Congress and the American People Are Failing Each Other" (2015). CMC Senior Theses. 1124.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/1124
This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.
