Administration Quote by Elena Kagan
“I do not espouse the unitarian position. President Clinton's assertion of directive authority over administration, more than President Reagan's assertion of a general supervisory authority, raises serious constitutional questions.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Supreme Court Oral Argument, 2005
The quote critiques differing presidential powers, suggesting Clinton’s direct control raises constitutional issues more than Reagan’s broader oversight.
In simple terms: Clinton’s authority may conflict with constitutional limits.
Key Takeaway
Examine the balance of executive power.
Themes
constitution
executive authority
legal limits
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
legal
political
When to use this quote
- law school debates
- policy analysis
- government oversight
- constitutional studies
Key Concepts
separation of powers
presidential control
Questions to Reflect On
- How should the Constitution limit direct presidential directives?
- What safeguards can prevent executive overreach?
A Different Perspective
Presidential power is also shaped by political context and institutional checks.
![“He [Erasmus Darwin] used to say that 'unitarianism was a feather-bed to catch a falling Christian.” quote by Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/34b/charles-darwin-507_christian_he-erasmus-darwin-used-to-say-that-unita_403576.jpg)
![“Dr. Calder [a Unitarian minister] said of Dr. [Samuel] Johnson on the publications of Boswell and Mrs. Piozzi, that he was like Actaeon, torn to pieces by his own pack.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/314/horace-walpole-3357_drs_dr-calder-a-unitarian-minister-said-of-d_679539.jpg)
