ABSTRACT
The unitary executive theory holds that the president is the sole authority in the executive branch and any attempt to limit that authority is unconstitutional. Popular expectations surrounding the presidency spring from a civics book image of the president as being in charge of the national government. This chapter discusses what the Founders had in mind when they designed the presidency and how the office has evolved over time. It analyzes the range of foreign and domestic policy responsibilities of the modern president. The chapter describes how the presidential establishment—the White House staff, the Executive Office of the President, the cabinet, and the office of the vice president—is organized to assist the president in stretching his powers to meet his responsibilities. It concludes with a discussion of concerns about the presidency and reforms that might be undertaken to address them.
