Introduction
The executive power was at first devised as a mere organ of implementation of laws. During the first years of the republic, the presidency was regarded as a nearly powerless body, given that the Constitution provides much more prevalence to the Congress. This was done on purpose because the founding fathers wanted to avoid the problems caused by kings and despots in countries that did not restrain the power of their rulers. Nonetheless, the executive office has gradually increased its power, especially during the last century. Right now, the executive is the dominant force in foreign policy making but, through history, ...