The President Who Would Not Be King: Executive Power under the Constitution

The President Who Would Not Be King is a book that discusses the powers of the president and how the framers of the Constitution intended to limit them. It provides a comprehensive account of the drafting of presidential powers and how the framers worked from a mental list of the powers of the British monarch. It also provides a framework for evaluating separation of powers claims and distinguishes between powers that are subject to congressional control and those in which the president has full discretion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 440 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The framers of the Constitution faced a challenging task in establishing a robust and independent executive while avoiding the creation of a monarchy. In today's divided political landscape, the scope and limits of presidential power have become increasingly contentious. Michael McConnell's book, "The President Who Would Not Be King," delves into the intricate process of drafting presidential powers, emphasizing the need to closely examine the successive drafts made by the framers, as they conducted their deliberations behind closed doors and left no written records. McConnell demonstrates how the framers drew inspiration from the powers of the British monarch and deliberately chose to strip certain powers from the presidency to prevent tyranny. He analyzes each of these powers in detail, explaining their historical understanding and providing a framework for evaluating separation of powers claims.

Through his analysis, McConnell restores the original vision of the framers, highlighting how the Constitution restrains the excesses of an imperial presidency while empowering the executive to govern effectively. The book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of presidential power and its historical development, providing a timely and essential contribution to the ongoing debate about the role of the presidency in American democracy.

Weight: 706g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691234199