Clinton's Legacy: Redefining Presidential Powers

December 1999  -  After eight years in office, what legacy will William Jefferson Clinton leave for future residents of the White House?  Clinton is redefining presidential powers under the Constitution, says John Hermann, assistant professor of political science and an expert on Constitutional law.  "Because of his actions, Clinton, much like Richard Nixon, is testing the perimeters of Constitutional power," says Hermann.  "He has forced the Supreme Court to reconsider and redefine some of the office's powers." What does executive privilege mean?  Executive privilege isn't expressly mentioned in the Constitution, yet it is a practice that has been endorsed by all three branches of government ever since our country's government was formed.  Hermann also contends that the Rehnquist Court served as a central impetus for unfolding the Monica Lewinsky scandal by permitting Paula Jones to sue Clinton for his past actions as Governor of Arkansas. What will this mean for the man elected president next November?  To talk to Hermann, contact Carolyn Wheat at (210) 999-8406 or by e-mail at cwheat @trinity.edu.

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Last updated on June 7, 2000 by the Office of Public Relations