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.

‘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