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Evaluating the Current System of Selecting Presidents

This assignment requires students to write a persuasive essay evaluating the current system of selecting presidents. It explores if the current system produces "good" presidents and if modifications would improve presidential leadership. Additionally, it prompts students to imagine an ideal system and consider the incentives that should be in place to select the best president.

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Evaluating the Current System of Selecting Presidents

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  1. PS 310: The American Presidency Dr. Casey B. K. Dominguez caseydominguez@sandiego.edu

  2. Grades • 25% Research paper • 25% Final Exam • 15% Midterm • 15% Analytical essay • 10% Class participation and prompt attendance • 10% Pop quizzes on daily readings

  3. Rules & Policies • E-Reserves: POLS310 • Powerpoints: home.sandiego.edu/~caseydominguez/presidency • Turn in papers to Turnitin.com • NO laptops in class (sorry!) • Be on time • Athletes and students with disabilities: special accommodations need to be made early

  4. WHAT DO WE EXPECT OF OUR PRESIDENT?

  5. What qualities do you expect a good president to have?

  6. Does the current system of selecting presidents produce “good” presidents?

  7. First Paper assignment • 5-7 page essay • Evaluate the current system of electing presidents. • Does the current system of selecting presidents produce “good” presidents? Would another system, or modifications to our current system, help produce “better” presidential leadership? • Use what you learn about all of the different ways the rules have changed over time to think about the rules as malleable • Use this paper as an opportunity to imagine an ideal system—what incentives should be in place to produce the “best” president we can get?

  8. An heroic image

  9. Dual Role • Head of State • Head of Government

  10. Does the President have the authority to do what we want him to do?

  11. A Clerkship?

  12. Does the president have too much power?

  13. “If the president does it, that means it’s not illegal.” Richard Nixon

  14. Is it legitimate? • To tell the press he doesn’t know the answer to a question when he does? • To refuse to spend money Congress has appropriated? • To refuse to enforce laws Congress has passed and he has signed? • To suspend civil liberties for some citizens during a time of war? • To invade a country without asking for Congress’ permission? What about “just” bombing it?

  15. Research Paper Assignment • Research the facts and history surrounding a particular use of presidential power • Write a persuasive essay arguing whether or not the president has the legitimate authority to do what he did

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