The Unitary Theory of Executive Power – Alumni Program
with Robert Spitzer*, instructor
This lecture is being offered at a special rate for W&M Alumni who are not Osher members (Spring membership not required)
Thursday, March 19
1:30-3:30 pm (doors open at 1:15)
W&M Alumni House, Hunter Hall
$25 (scroll down to Add to Cart)
Following the Osher Institute’s semiquincentennial theme of Revolutionary Ideas, this course will examine the origins and consequences of the profoundly important even revolutionary yet little-known constitutional theory that underlies the aggressively muscular exercise of executive power unfolding in the current Trump administration.
Architects of the Unitary theory argue that it arises from an Originalist reading of presidential powers meaning based on what the Constitution’s Founders intended. But the theory is relatively new, emerging in the 1980s. There is certainly nothing new about presidential activism, as it has unfolded throughout the 20th century.
The Unitary theory, however, dials up Executive activism to a startling degree. Is the Unitary theory, in fact, what the Founders had in mind for the American presidency? What impact does it have on the relationship between the three branches of government, and therefore on our system of governance? Is it a return to the past or a modern invention? Whether new or old, excavated or invented, the Unitary theory is revolutionary.
The lecture is open to W&M alumni, offering the opportunity to experience Osher’s style of noncredit continuing education available each semester at W&M.
- Online registration for Alumni closes the day prior to lecture at 5 pm
- Check in with your name when you arrive at the class
- Doors open at 1:15 pm
- Free parking is available ONLY where designated at the Alumni House and at Richmond Hall. Do NOT park in the Zable Stadium lot (you will be ticketed!)
Interested in becoming a full Osher member? Contact us at osher@wm.edu for a special discounted rate (new Alumni members only)
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*About Your Instructor
Robert J. Spitzer (Ph.D. Cornell) is Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, Political Science, at SUNY Cortland, adjunct professor at the William & Mary Law School, and affiliated scholar in its Government and Public Policy Depts. He is author of 16 books, including 4 on the presidency, and over 700 articles on many American politics subjects. He was visiting professor at Cornell University for 30 years and a former president of the organization of political scientists who study the presidency of the American Political Science Association.
