Rivals for Power

James A. Thurber is University Distinguished Professor of Government and Founder (1979) and Former Director (1979-2016) of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University in Washington, D.C.

Thurber and Tama present an excellent edited volume studying seemingly every facet of the relationship between Congress and the president. The authors outline the complex political dynamics, intense constitutional rivalry, and evolving electoral and policy demands that define this relationship. This well-written book—clearly intended for a general audience—should be commended for its comprehensive nature and its impressive list of contributors…. [A] valuable contribution to the scholarly literature about Congress, the presidency, and American politics. Highly recommended. All readership levels.

• List of Figures and TablesPrefaceChapter 1: An Introduction to Presidential-Congressional Rivalry James ThurberChapter 2: Voters, Elections and the President’s Agenda in Congress: Joe Biden’s First Year Gary C. JacobsonChapter 3: How Donald Trump Tried to Overthrow the 2020 ElectionJames PfiffnerChapter 4: Assessing Presidential and Congressional Rivalry in an Era of Polarization Sarah BinderChapter 5: Unilateral Presidential Authority: Uses and AbusesJames PfiffnerChapter 6: Biden on the Tight Rope: Managing Congressional Relations in a Polarized Era Gary Andres and Pat GriffinChapter 7: A Centrist President Faces a Polarized CongressRoss Baker Chapter 8: Rivalry for Power in the Judicial Appointment Process John Anthony MalteseChapter 9: The President, Congress, and Foreign Policy Edward Alden Chapter 10: Biden’s Choice on Foreign Policy: A New Internationalism or America First? Leon E. PanettaChapter 11: Presidents, Congress and Budget Decisions: Risks, Responsibilities, and OpportunitiesJoseph WhiteChapter 12: The President, Congress and the Politics of Regulation Claudia ThurberChapter 13: The President, Congress and the Media Ron ElvingChapter 14: The Investigative Check in a Polarized Era: Still Empowered or Imperiled? Douglas KrinerChapter 15: Closing the Deal? Presidential Leadership and Legislative NegotiationDavid C. Barker and Matthew N. GreenIndexAbout the Contributors