The role of the presidency was one of the most contentious issues during the creation of the US Constitution. The presidency that was created served as a compromise between the common suspicions of concentrated power, and those who wanted to retain the familiar system that colonial Americans had not only grown up within, but that they also understood to be the key to their continued power and influence.

This volume of The Reference Shelf looks at how over the years the American presidency has become more powerful, using popular appeal and complicity legislatures to expand the powers of the office beyond the constitutionally established duties. Exploring topics such as executive authority, relationship to the constitution, influence in elections, role in economic policy, and war powers.

This volume begins with a preface, tracing the path from monarchy to democracy and the creation of the Constitution to symbolically place the populace in charge of the country. The preface also provides the major shifts in presidential authority.

The Reference Shelf: Presidential Authority includes essays that fall into five topics:

• Control Over the Administration • Interpretation of Constitutional Amendments • Federal Oversight of Elections • Trade and Economic Policy • War Powers and Military Action

Primary and secondary documents, plus carefully-edited introductory materials help students and researchers navigate through these important topics. The information within The Reference Shelf Presidential Authority provides balanced coverage, supported by comprehensive background information, on the topics of vital interest in our fast-changing world.