1. PS 310: The American Presidency
Dr. Casey B. K. Dominguez

2. Grades 25% Research paper 25% Final Exam 15% Midterm
15% Analytical essay
10% Class participation and prompt attendance
10% Pop quizzes on daily readings

3. Rules & Policies E-Reserves: POLS310
Powerpoints: home.sandiego.edu/~caseydominguez/presidency
Turn in papers to Turnitin.com
NO laptops in class (sorry!)
Be on time
Athletes and students with disabilities: special accommodations need to be made early

4. WHAT DO WE EXPECT OF OUR PRESIDENT?

5. What qualities do you expect a good president to have?

6. Does the current system of selecting presidents produce “good” presidents?

7. First Paper assignment
5-7 page essay
Evaluate the current system of electing presidents.
Does the current system of selecting presidents produce “good” presidents? Would another system, or modifications to our current system, help produce “better” presidential leadership?
Use what you learn about all of the different ways the rules have changed over time to think about the rules as malleable
Use this paper as an opportunity to imagine an ideal system—what incentives should be in place to produce the “best” president we can get?

8. An heroic image

9. Dual Role
Head of State
Head of Government

10. Does the President have the authority to do what we want him to do?

11. A Clerkship?

12. Does the president have too much power?

13. “If the president does it, that means it’s not illegal.”
Richard Nixon

14. Is it legitimate?
To tell the press he doesn’t know the answer to a question when he does?
To refuse to spend money Congress has appropriated?
To refuse to enforce laws Congress has passed and he has signed?
To suspend civil liberties for some citizens during a time of war?
To invade a country without asking for Congress’ permission? What about “just” bombing it?

15. Research Paper Assignment
Research the facts and history surrounding a particular use of presidential power
Write a persuasive essay arguing whether or not the president has the legitimate authority to do what he did