What is the case for a strong executive?
Harvey C. Mansfield, William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor of Government, studies and teaches political philosophy at Harvard University.
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| 1. What explanation does Mansfield provide for why a strong executive is important? How are his arguments similar to those used by the Federalists in the Constitutional Convention? |
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| 2. What do you think are some limitations to a system with a strong executive? |
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| 3. How have recent presidents that you can think of increased or undermined the strength of the executive branch? |
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Presidents and oratory
Michael Waldman is a nationally prominent public interest lawyer, government official, teacher and writer. He became director of the Brennan Center in October 2005. Mr. Waldman was Director of Speechwriting for President Bill Clinton from 1995 to 1999, serving as Assistant to the President.
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| 4. What do Waldman’s comments about presidential oratory suggest about the role of speeches, media, and public opinion in the power of the President as a leader and policy maker? |
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| 5. Do you feel that effective oratory is an important skill that every President should master? Why or why not? |
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