The term ‘The imperial presidency’ was coined by Arthur Schlesinger in a book by the same name written in 1973. This perception of lack of constraints on the modern presidency could be seen to apply to the institution as a whole but never has an office holder stretched the checks and balances put in place by the Founding Fathers to such an extent as to render the president a leader rather than a ruler.
Donald J. Trump campaigned as an imperial ruler and that is exactly what the people voted for. His entire campaign was a one man show: he alone was going to ‘Make America Great Again’, ‘Drain the Swamp’ and ‘Build the Wall’. Not only has Trump expressed scorn concerning the institutions that are designed to prevent a concentration of power, but he has systematically removed those voices from within the executive office who might have tempered his egotistical tendencies and provided a more consensual approach.
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe
