Eric Stone
This is one of the most enlightening books I’ve ever read regarding the actual mechanics of American power. I found myself citing it constantly over the last few years as a way to explain my concerns regarding the modern presidency.
The real power of this book lies in the pattern recognition it provides. It illuminates a sobering reality: every single president, without fail, has worked to increase presidential power. Once you see that trajectory, it changes how you view the entire structure of the US government. The most chilling takeaway is the notion that presidential power is a one-way street - once a power is granted or seized, it is almost never clawed back by the other branches.
Regardless of your personal politics, this is a vital read for anyone who wants to understand how the executive branch has evolved into its current state and why that poses a fundamental problem for the balance of power.
This is one of the most enlightening books I’ve ever read regarding the actual mechanics of American power. I found myself citing it constantly over the last few years as a way to explain my concerns regarding the modern presidency.
The real power of this book lies in the pattern recognition it provides. It illuminates a sobering reality: every single president, without fail, has worked to increase presidential power. Once you see that trajectory, it changes how you view the entire structure of the US government. The most chilling takeaway is the notion that presidential power is a one-way street - once a power is granted or seized, it is almost never clawed back by the other branches.
Regardless of your personal politics, this is a vital read for anyone who wants to understand how the executive branch has evolved into its current state and why that poses a fundamental problem for the balance of power.