During his first term in office, Pres. George W. Bush made reference to the 'unitary executive' ninety-five times, as part of signing statements, proclamations, and executive orders. Pres. Barack Obama's actions continue to make issues of executive power as timely as ever. Unitary executive theory stems from interpretation of the constitutional assertion that the president is vested with the 'executive power' of the United States. In this groundbreaking collection of studies, eleven presidential scholars examine for the first time the origins, development, use, and future of this theory. ""The Unitary Executive and the Modern Presidency"" examines how the unitary executive theory became a recognized constitutional theory of presidential authority, how it has evolved, how it has been employed by presidents of both parties, and how its use has affected and been affected by U.S. politics. This book also examines the constitutional, political, and even psychological impact of the last thirty years of turmoil in the executive branch and the ways that controversy has altered both the exercise and the public's view of presidential power.

About the Author

Ryan J. Barilleaux is professor of political science at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. He is the author or editor of seven other books on the presidency and American politics, including Power and Prudence: The Presidency of George H. W. Bush (with Mark Rozell, Texas A&M University Press, 2004). He served previously on the staff of the U.S. Senate. Christopher S. Kelley is an adjunct assistant professor of political science at Miami University. His research on presidential signing statements has been widely cited by scholars, government officials, and journalists.

Book Information
ISBN 9781603441735
Author Ryan J. Barilleaux
Format Hardback
Page Count 247
Imprint Texas A & M University Press
Publisher Texas A & M University Press