POL S 102 Chapter 4: Poli Sci Chp 4
Document Summary
The concentration of executive power in the hands of one individual or office may increase effectiveness, but the nature of modern presidential power makes it hard to hold presidents legally accountable for their use of power. The rule of law is defined as the principle that governmental authority is legitimately exercised only in accordance with written, publicly disclosed laws adopted and enforced in accordance with established procedure. The power of the president has greatly increased over time, and that the increased power of the president has presented some challenges. The presidency has become the primary branch of government, the most powerful branch of government with more authority over more areas of public policy than was the case when the country was founded. The term imperial presidency is used to refer to presidents who are too strong, too powerful for our own good.
