The author argues that treating the presidency as a nationwide popular office creates democratic pressure for presidents to act legislatively and represent 'the people' directly. Over time—traced from Jefferson to Jackson—presidential rhetoric and selection have eroded Congress’s perceived legitimacy and capacity, turning it into a ratifier of executive initiatives.
— This reframes congressional dysfunction as a problem of electoral legitimacy and public expectations, pointing debates toward how presidential selection and rhetoric reshape institutional power.
James Devereaux
2025.09.29
100% relevant
The article’s core claim: “democratic pressure on the presidency to act legislatively undermines the ability of Congress to act legislatively,” illustrated with Jackson’s 'tribune of the people' rhetoric.
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