Final answer:
The article by Micah Zenko examines how presidents have expanded their powers over time, often stretching the checks and balances of the U.S. Constitution. This expansion is particularly evident in foreign policy and wartime, though it remains subject to interpretation and occasionally to limitation by the Supreme Court.
Step-by-step explanation:
The article discusses the expansion of presidential power and suggests that actions by various presidents throughout history have sometimes been viewed as exceeding the checks and balances established in the U.S. Constitution. With the executive power declared to be vested in the president, according to Article II, there has been a broad interpretation that allows for actions beyond those explicitly stated, such as the growth of federal agencies and the development of executive privilege.
These expansions are often justified through interpretations that adapt to changing societal needs or crises, yet they can lead to concerns about the imbalance of power between the three government branches.
Specific examples of these expanded powers include the president's role as commander-in-chief, the power to appoint officials, negotiate foreign agreements, and the ability to enter into executive agreements without Senate approval. The evolution of these powers has been especially pronounced in areas of foreign policy and wartime, where the president wields significant unilateral authority.
However, these powers are often controversial and have been called into question, as evidenced by the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which, while intended to limit executive power, effectively gave the president substantial leeway in military engagements.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court has the say in determining the legal bounds of presidential power, as shown in historical rulings that have both expanded and limited the executive's reach. The increasing power of the presidency is a point of discussion and debate, with the balance of power being a critical aspect of preserving the democratic system as designed by the framers of the Constitution.