Pushing the Envelope: Executive Power & President George W. Bush

Over the last few years, there has been a significant academic and legal discussion about the powers of the United States Presidency with regards to national security powers. This discussion has developed a uniqueand abstract framework. However, this discussion has been elevated with the Presidency of George W. Bush beyond academic discussion groups and legal journals. Specifically, issues like warrantless wiretapping,extraordinary rendition programs, and various other war powers have become discussions around dinner tables and office water coolers. This article aims to discuss both of the legal and academic frameworks of executive powers to help demonstrate how the Bush Administration has pushed the envelope in claiming extraordinary powers to the detriment of the separation of powers between the legislature, the courts, and the executive branch in an ongoing national security concern