After being sworn in as president, Thomas Jefferson returned to his boarding house only to wait in line for a seat at the dinner table. How different Jefferson's experience was from presidents of today. When they enter a room, all rise; "Hail to the Chief" greets them on public occasions, and even their closest friends refer to them as "Mr. President.”

The extraordinary deference now shown the office reflects the profound changes in its power and influence. The president has become the focal point and energizing force in our political system as nearly every issue of great moment is drawn into the presidential vortex. If his call for action does not always mean action will be taken, his opposition all but guarantees it will not.

How and why the president has become such a pivotal figure will be a major focus of this course. We shall consider as well whether the accretions in presidential power and influence represent a positive development in the evolution of our political process. On this point, there is disagreement. Many insist it is well past time to rein in an office that for years has grown more imperial in tone and action. Their ranks, moreover, have only grown since this course was offered in 2023, as Donald Trump's second term presidency has brought the most muscular exercise of presidential power in American history. His impact on the office will, accordingly, receive considerable attention.

An alternative view, with admittedly fewer adherents, sees a presidency more beleaguered than imperial, struggling to meet unrealistic public expectations, with the growth in unilateral presidential actions more reflective of institutional weakness than strength. Both perspectives will be examined, along with proposals to strengthen and tame the office.

Two or three articles will be assigned for each session, and the format will combine both lecture and discussion.