Gergen, David R. Eyewitness to Power: The Essence of Leadership—Nixon to Clinton. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2001 (ISBN: 978-0-7432-0322-7).
Examines presidential power by focusing on leadership traits. Gergen has worked with presidents and believes the presidency is still the core of democracy but requires strong leadership skills. This book offers a different perspective than some of the more scholarly books written on the presidency because of the professional experience of the author.
Koenig, Louis W. The Chief Executive. 6th ed. New York: Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1996 (ISBN: 978-0-15-503176-0).
Good source for understanding the development of different theories of presidential power. Koenig explains the major schools of thought (e.g., imperial presidency, personality president). Shifts in American politics are also used to explain changes in presidential power, which establish a context for understanding this multifaceted and highly debated topic.
Krent, Harold J. Presidential Powers. New York: New York Univ. Pr., 2005 (ISBN: 978-0-8147-4782-7).
Offers a comprehensive analysis of the constitutional powers of the president. Each of the five chapters in the book discusses one type of constitutional power granted to the president (e.g., president’s power to execute the laws passed by Congress). This source clarifies the vague powers granted to the president within the Constitution.
Milkis, Sidney M., and Michael Nelson. The American Presidency: Origins and Development, 1776–2007. 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: CQ Pr., 2007 (ISBN: 978-0-87289-336-8).
Traces how the executive branch has changed over the course of history. The theme of presidential power is present in many chapters as an important aspect of the presidency. Relevant sections include “The Reaction against Presidential Power: Andrew Johnson to William McKinley,” “John F. Kennedy and the Rise of the Personal President,” and “A Restoration of Presidential Power? Ronald Reagan and George Bush.” This latest edition includes information on the George W. Bush administration, including the 2004 and 2006 elections. This is a good source for students and beginning researchers because it covers the entire span of the American presidency.
Neustadt, Richard E. Presidential Power and the Modern Presidents: The Politics of Leadership from Roosevelt to Reagan. New York: Maxwell Macmillan, 1990 (ISBN: 978-0-02-922796-1).
From a more political culture approach rather than an institutional approach, the author argues that presidents should use their immense influence to its fullest extent to lead the United States. However, this should occur within the context of the Constitutional powers granted the executive. This is a seminal book representing a major shift in presidential studies scholarship because the analysis shifts away from the institutional approach and instead focuses on the personal qualities and abilities of individual presidents.
Rossiter, Clinton L. The American Presidency. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Univ. Pr., 1987 (ISBN: 978-0-8018-3545-2).
A classic work on the presidency. This book discusses the powers of the president through a historical, institutional, and cultural framework. Though originally published in 1956, it is representative of this influential perspective of the presidency. This edition includes an introduction by Michael Nelson expanding Rossiter’s analysis to more recent administrations.
Savage, Charlie. Takeover: The Return of the Imperial Presidency and Subversion of American Democracy. New York: Little, Brown, 2007 (ISBN: 978-0-316-11804-0).
A current book analyzing increased presidential power by examining the agenda and actions of the George W. Bush administration. Savage argues that the Bush-Cheney administration has permanently increased executive power resulting in a change in the balance of powers outlined in the Constitution.
Schlesinger, Arthur M. The Imperial Presidency. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2004 (ISBN: 978-0-618-42001-8).
Schlesinger outlines his theory of the imperial presidency in this classic work on American presidential power. He discusses the need for having a strong presidency but one that remains within the Constitution.
Wilson, Robert A. Power and the Presidency. 1st ed. New York: Public Affairs, 2000 (ISBN: 978-1-891620-43-0).
Includes seven chapters by historians, biographers, and journalists, each addressing presidential power from a personal point of view. Although not very scholarly, the essays can be useful for some researchers or for those wanting to understand executive power outside an academic framework.
Periodicals
The following periodicals frequently cite or publish articles on American presidential power.
- Political Science Quarterly. New York: Academy of Political Science, 1886–. Quarterly (ISSN: 0032-3195).
- Presidential Studies Quarterly. New York: Center for the Study of the Presidency, 1972–. Quarterly (ISSN: 0360-4918).
- American Political Science Review. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Pr., 1906–. Quarterly (ISSN: 0003-0554).
- Journal of Politics. Malden, Mass.: Blackwell, 1939– Quarterly (ISSN: 0022-3816).
- American Journal of Political Science. Malden, Mass.: Blackwell, 1950–. Quarterly (ISSN: 0092-5853).
Journal Articles
The following is a selection of some of the most influential journal articles published on this topic in the last ten years. Each discusses different aspects of American presidential power.
Nancy V. Baker, “The Law: The Impact of Antiterrorism Policies on Separation of Powers: Assessing John Ashcroft’s Role,” Presidential Studies Quarterly 32, no.4 (2002): 765–78.
Analyzes John Ashcroft’s role as “defender of the unilateral presidency” since the events of September 11. Baker concludes that antiterrorism legislation has helped in the development of a stronger executive branch; power is not equally distributed between the three branches.
Matthew A. Crenson and Benjamin Ginsberg, “Downsizing Democracy, Upsizing the Presidency,” South Atlantic Quarterly 105, no. 1 (2006): 207–16.
Argues that presidential powers have been increasing since before September 11. Cites examples demonstrating that the executive branch has been gaining more power through the use of executive orders and clearance powers.
Louis Fisher, “The Law: When Presidential Power Backfires: Clinton’s Use of Clemency,” Presidential Studies Quarterly 32, no. 3 (2002): 586–99.
Argues that President Clinton weakened his presidency by not using established procedures for granting clemency. This article provides an interesting look at a specific executive power and how it can and cannot be used.