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Practice and Abuse
Unilateral presidential war making, is a sharp reminder of the widening gulf between constitutional principle and governmental practice...
Brenna Gerhardt
Dec 26, 20204 min read


The War Power
The decision to go to war represents the most solemn decision any government will make risking the blood, treasure and future of the nation
Brenna Gerhardt
Dec 18, 20204 min read


Foreign Affairs Powers
Americans have become accustomed to a steady drumbeat of presidential assertions of sweeping powers in the realm of foreign affairs...
Brenna Gerhardt
Dec 11, 20204 min read


Executive Power
The outstanding feature of Article II of the Constitution is its grant to the president of relatively few, sharply limited powers...
Brenna Gerhardt
Dec 4, 20203 min read


Presidential Power Scrutinized
This presidential transition represents a timely opportunity for Americans to become more familiar with the scope of presidential authority.
Brenna Gerhardt
Nov 27, 20203 min read


Gettysburg Address Today
Abraham Lincoln’s words and wisdom serve to remind Americans today of the challenges that threaten the very foundation of the republic...
Brenna Gerhardt
Nov 20, 20204 min read


Prolonged Election
The 2020 presidential election will come to an end, sooner rather than later...
Brenna Gerhardt
Nov 13, 20203 min read


Peaceful Transfer of Power
The peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of American Democracy, a national treasure envied throughout the world...
Brenna Gerhardt
Nov 12, 20204 min read


Expectations of Justice Barrett
The widespread expression of hopes, fears and predictions about the forthcoming votes and opinions of Justice Amy Coney Barrett reflect...
Brenna Gerhardt
Nov 6, 20203 min read


President Trump’s Assertion of a Self-Pardon
President Donald Trump’s declaration on June 4, 2020, that he has “the absolute right to pardon” himself has drawn increased scrutiny...
Brenna Gerhardt
Oct 26, 20204 min read


Originalism and Judge Amy Coney Barrett
Judge Amy Coney Barrett, destined to be the next member of the U.S. Supreme Court, has characterized her approach...
Brenna Gerhardt
Oct 16, 20204 min read


Governmental Practice Often Ignores the Constitution
History confirms the keen insight of James Madison’s warning in No. 51 of the Federalist Papers that the greatest challenge confronting...
Brenna Gerhardt
Oct 15, 20203 min read


First Principles of Constitutionalism
All civics classes should begin with the first principle of American Constitutionalism: Government has only that power granted to it by...
Brenna Gerhardt
Oct 9, 20203 min read


19th Amendment Centennial: Voting Rights Must Be Won, Preserved
This week's We the People Column from Constitutional scholar David Adler.
Brenna Gerhardt
Oct 6, 20203 min read


Improving Civil Dialogue in the November Election
This week's We the People Column from Constitutional scholar David Adler.
Brenna Gerhardt
Sep 22, 20203 min read
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