Informal and Formal Powers of the Presidency

In this assignment, you will develop an argument regarding the use of informal powers by modern presidents and whether this leads to an imperial presidency. You will need to articulate a defensible claim, support it with evidence from foundational documents, and address opposing perspectives.

Develop an argument in response to the prompt using the guidelines provided.

Develop an argument in which you decide whether modern presidents' increasing reliance on implied and informal powers creates an imperial presidency. Your essay must include the following elements:

• Articulate a defensible claim or thesis that responds to the prompt and establishes a line of reasoning.
• Support your claim with at least two pieces of accurate and relevant information:
  • At least one piece of evidence must be from one of the following foundational documents:
    • The Constitution of the United States (including the Bill of Rights and subsequent Amendments)
    • Federalist No. 70
    • Federalist No. 51
  • Use a second piece of evidence from another foundational document from the list or from your study of the interactions of the institutions.
• Use reasoning to explain why your evidence supports your claim/thesis.
• Respond to an opposing or alternative perspective using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.