👩🏾‍⚖️ap us government review

Stewardship theory

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

Holds that the president may lawfully exercise any powers necessary to promote the national interest unless expressly prohibited by the Constitution, rather than being confined to narrowly enumerated authorities. Grounded in a broad reading of Article II's vesting clause and championed by early 20th-century presidents, this view expanded executive initiative and helped shape the modern, activist presidency within the constitutional system of checks and balances.

AP course connection

Topic 2.4: 2.4 Roles and Power of the President

Unit 2

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