The Nature of the American Presidency, by Vernon Bogdanor, Gresham Professor Law

A presidential system is a democratic alternative to a parliamentary system. It is a system of personal leadership by a popularly elected figure. Yet, it was designed by the Founding Fathers of the United States as a constitutional office, by contrast with that of the British monarchy under George III. The President, therefore, must act within a system of checks and balances laid down in the United States Constitution. The president is restricted both by Congress and by the Supreme Court. To what extent does this limit their effectiveness, especially in foreign policy. Was the Constitution drawn up for an isolationist state, rather than one which seeks to exert international leadership?

Channel: iTunes Video Length: 0s Date Found: Tue, Jul 08 2008 4:53 PM Category: Educational Date Produced: Wed, Sep 19 2007 10:22 AM View Count: 0