The President: Office and Powers

This work is primarily a study in American public law, with an approach that is partly historical , partly analytical, and partly critical. The central theme is the development and contemporary status of presidential power and of the presidential office under the Constitution, but the personal and political aspects of the subject are also covered. Professor Corwin discusses the historical and philosophical conceptions of the executive power of government, the changes that have taken place in the manner of electing the President, the tenure of his office, the electoral college, and the duties and responsibilities of the President as chief administrator, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, initiator of foreign policy, and legislative leader. It might be well for all of us to ponder the implication of Professor Corwin's challenging words, "Kept within bounds, the power and prestige of the Presidency comprise the most valuable political asset of the American people."