By KORTNEY LANG
Tiger Media Network
On Wednesday, Fort Hays State University’s American Democracy Project hosted the Constitution Day Times Talk titled “The American Presidency and Constitution: Horizons of Executive Power” and was presented by Assistant Professor of Political Science Jay Steinmetz.
Steinmetz specializes in different disciplines of his profession, including American Politics, the Presidency and Elections, Political Theories, Political Philosophy, and more.
“[I am] fascinated by the history and development of the American presidency,” Steinmetz said.
The event took place in Albertson Hall, room 235, instead of the usual South Study Area in Forsyth Library, which is currently being renovated. Steinmetz discussed the way in which the Constitution structures our presidency. In a room full of students and faculty members, Steinmetz presented five different sections of information regarding how the Constitution has been a part of the presidency throughout history, and in today’s age.
Each year on September 17th, Constitution Day is celebrated by American citizens. The day is recognized to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and what it means to be a U.S. citizen. Steinmetz’s presentation was able to broaden the understanding regarding the relationship between the Constitution and the U.S. Presidency.
“In the 19th century, American presidents were glorified administrative clerks, they very often deferred to Congress directly,” Steinmetz said. “They allowed Congress to really run the show [and] Congress was the center of what American politics was.”
While recognizing how the presidency has evolved from what it once was, Steinmetz provided historical facts as to how the Constitution has played its part in the different changes that have occurred throughout history. The Constitution not only plays a part in the U.S. government but in American citizens’ lives as well. Throughout Steinmetz’s presentation, he gave students and faculty a greater understanding of the history and the importance of the Constitution.
TMN will have coverage of future Times Talk events.
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