79-248 U.S. Constitution & the Presidency

9 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This course explores the changing role and powers of the American Presidency under the Constitution, from the founding era through the present. After absorbing drafting and ratification debates, we will focus on how particular presidents (Washington, Lincoln, FDR, Nixon) established or expanded the executive power and how particular conflicts (the Civil War, the "Court Packing" plan, Watergate) restructured or restricted the presidency. Readings will include the U.S. Constitution (of course), selections from The Federalist Papers, and short books including Daniel Farber's book Lincoln's Constitution, and Michael Gerhardt's book The Law of Presidential Impeachment. Grading is based on a notebook in which students must keep notes on readings and class discussions and make unprompted entries, as well as on required attendance and participation in discussion.

Prerequisites: none listed

Offered: Fall 2026, Fall 2025

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