If you want to better understand how Trump has forever changed the American presidency, the history of impeachment, or how to fix the dysfunction in our government, it’s best to go to an expert. Prof. William Howell is one of the leading scholars on presidential powers.

On this episode, Howell explains how Trump’s era fits into the larger narratives of the presidency, how the debate around impeachment compares to the past, and he argues why giving more powers to the office could actually make our government more effective.

Transcript

Paul Rand: It is arguably one of the most powerful offices on the planet. 

Tape: Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.

Tape: Government is not the solution to our problem. Government is the problem.

Tape: America's possibilities are limitless for we possess all the qualities that this world without boundaries demands. 

Tape: We the citizens of America are now joined.In a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of our people. 

Paul Rand: The history of the presidency is one of change. Every four to eight years, someone new comes along and redefines what it means. But some things never change right?