Overview
In The U.S. Presidency, E. Thomas Sullivan and Richard W. Painter examine the evolving state of presidential power in the United States, specifically facilitating discussion and debate concerning the power, responsibility, and accountability of U.S. Presidents. How is power acquired? How is it used or misused? How are the President's powers checked and how are they held accountable to and by the people? Rather than promote a single theory of presidential power, Sullivan and Painter answer these questions with a wide range of arguments for and against power in a broad number of circumstances and Supreme Court holdings. Grounded in the intersection of law, politics, and history, this book engages readers across disciplines, helping them understand the remarkable transformation of the United States presidency. Objective and timely, The U.S. Presidency makes a case for a democratic model of self-government centered on accountability and the rule of law.
Full Product Details
Author: E. Thomas Sullivan (University of Vermont) ,
Richard W. Painter (University of Minnesota)
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Weight: 0.500kg
ISBN: 9781009521987
ISBN 10: 1009521985
Pages: 308
Publication Date: 18 December 2025
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Manufactured on demand
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.
Reviews
'So much of today's turmoil could have been prevented if political leadership better understood our Constitution and its concept of shared powers as brilliantly laid out in The U.S. Presidency by Professors Sullivan and Painter. How well we understand shared responsibility in sports yet find it so elusive in governance. The U.S. Presidency is an essential read for all citizens and should be required reading for all elected officials.' Arne H. Carlson, Governor of Minnesota (1991–1999) 'This is a wonderfully wide-ranging and informative look at presidential power throughout American history. Sullivan and Painter guide readers through the major constitutional theories and events that have shaped the presidency and that continue to animate debates over presidential power today. An important and timely work.' Heidi Kitrosser, William W. Gurley Professor of Law, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law 'Professors Sullivan and Painter have created a thorough and insightful overview of the legal and political episodes that have helped to transform the presidency into something radically different from the checked-and-balanced Chief Magistrate envisioned by the Framers. Their study is invaluable for understanding how dramatic increases in presidential power and responsibility have outpaced the development of mechanisms for presidential accountability.' Peter M. Shane, Distinguished Scholar in Residence, New York University School of Law
Author Information
E. Thomas Sullivan is President Emeritus and Professor of Law and Political Science at The University of Vermont. Richard W. Painter is a law professor at the University of Minnesota and was the chief White House ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush.
