The Unitary Executive Theory is an interpretation that the President is the sole authority of the Executive Branch. The Founders of the nation decided that a unitary executive to be the preeminent choice rather than a plural executive or committee system.
This is not a collectively held theory as many believe that the powers expressed from this theory to be excessive and that congress has the authority to hold presidential power in check due to the checks and balances system. Supporters of the theory use Article II Section 1 and 3 of the United States Constitution to justify these broad presidential powers. Article II Section I states “The Executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of American.” Section 3 reads “he shall take care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the Officers of the United States.”1 These statements provide evidence for those who support the theory that a single power holds complete authority of the executive branch.
There are many advantages to the theory. If a president is not happy with the speed or progress of an issue before congress he can decree by executive order and bypass congress altogether. He may also make recess appointments to fill positions with someone that has little…
Many presidents have used the unitary executive theory perceived powers to achieve their agenda. President Clinton used his powers to push through his support of a line-item veto which was passed by congress, but was later found unconstitutional. Franklin Roosevelt used executive action to send Japanese-Americans to internment camps during the Second World War. Richard Nixon also used perceived powers under the unitary executive theory to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox during the Watergate cover-up…
