In the past, our country and political system became concerned about the alarming increase in presidential power relative to the Congress. Over time this concern has taken a back seat to the ongoing and increasing war of obstruction and destruction between the Republican and Democratic Parties.
As a result of the continuing lack of constructive attention to and resolution of our nations challenges, recent presidents have taken increasing and unbalanced power from the Congress.
This congressional power vacuum has allowed the Presidential power to amplify the degree of political polarization.
Executive actions taken by recent Presidents:
- Bill Clinton 364
- George W. Bush 291
- Barack Obama 276
- Donald Trump 206 [only 4 years]
The concern here is the degree of political extremism in Congress combined with wide volatility in the executive actions; created and vacated by each President as the political party changes.
Combine the above with the rise of social media and extreme emotional nonfactual broadcasting of extreme views and beliefs, you have the perfect storm.
In the eye of the perfect storm is the Imperial President.
- “The Imperial Presidency”; Schlesinger, Arthur, M. Jr. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1973