The Chief and the Bureaucrats: Power Dynamics in the U.S. Executive Branch

Undergraduate

This seminar provides an in-depth exploration of the U.S. President's role within the executive branch, focusing specifically on the interactions between the Chief Executive and the federal bureaucracy, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights. Students examine the constitutional foundations that establish and limit presidential power; the operational structure of the federal bureaucracy; the power dynamics that characterize the relationship between the President and bureaucratic agencies; the strategic tools and mechanisms at the President's disposal to direct and control bureaucratic actions; and the common institutional constraints that shape and sometimes hinder a president's ability to exert influence over the bureaucracy. The course addresses both historical and contemporary examples, providing a comprehensive view of how different administrations have navigated the challenges of bureaucratic management. Through case studies, students analyze significant instances where these constraints have impacted presidential decisions and policy implementations. Seminar discussions also consider how executive politics scholars study presidential power and control of the bureaucracy -- highlighting their questions and the tools and approaches they employ to answer those questions. SO W 9:25am-11:20am