Unitary Executive Theory

Written By Jonathan Milner

The Unitary Executive Theory advocates a powerful presidency and holds that Congress cannot limit the president’s control of the executive branch. Supporters of the unitary executive theory argue that Congress can’t set up independent executive agencies and counsels that aren’t controlled by the president. The unitary executive is a phrase that came from Hamilton and his Pacificus papers that said that the president needed complete control over the executive branch, unchecked or unreviewed by Congress or the courts.

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. What does unitary executive theory mean?

  2. What branch would be limited the most by a government run by the unitary executive theory?

  3. What Framer argued for enacting the unitary executive theory?

  4. What emoji best exemplifies the unitary executive theory?

  5. Is Hold Me Up (Thank You) by Khruangbin (below) most likely a metaphor for the unitary executive theory?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw unitary executive theory. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

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Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

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