Define the unitary theory of the executive and describe how it fits with the exercise of executive power

Question

Using relevant examples, compare and contrast the relative success that Congress has had in constraining executive power with the relative success that presidents have had in gaining concessions (even if briefly) from Congress.Which branch has been more successful?

Answer 1

The ideal answer should:
a. Define the unitary theory of the executive as the legal argument that presidents retain unrivaled control over the federal bureaucracy, and identify that presidents often invoke this theory as they seek power to help achieve their goals.
b. Discuss various ways in which Congress has successfully constrained presidential power; possible examples include: Jimmy Carter's struggle to pass various bills through Congress, Abraham Lincoln's struggles during the Civil War, and Barack Obama's 2011 jobs bill failure and difficulties because of partisan control of Congress (divided government).
c. Discuss various ways that presidents have successfully gained concessions from Congress; possible examples include: the brief existence of the line-item veto; executive agreements; lack of enforcement of the Wars Powers Resolution (1974 ); executive agreements; and signing statements.
d. Contrast the constraints with the concessions, and present an argument on whether Congress or the president has been more successful.