The Executive Branch
Abstract
In The Federalist , No. 51, James Madison suggested that “in republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates.” Many contemporary observers of American government would disagree and argue instead that the development of American political institutions has promoted executive rather than legislative power. The discrepancy between Madison’s statement and current realities raises troubling questions. How has the executive branch become so powerful? If American political development has not coincided with Madison’s expectations, has the presidency exceeded its constitutional bounds? Put bluntly, can the modern presidency be squared with the Constitution?
Fields of Study & Subjects
Legal Cases and Commentary
Organizational Strategy and Culture
Corporate Insolvency and Governance
Publication details
- Journal / source
- American Constitutional Law 8E, 2-VOL SET
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Pages
- 128–164
- Publication date
- 20 April 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter