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America's First Officer, Part 1

Akhil Reed AmarDistinguishedYale University

Professor

23:21·2026·undergraduate level

This segment introduces Article II by contrasting the powerful new presidency with the ceremonial 'president' under the Articles of Confederation and detailing its singular nature and fixed term.

HistoryArticle IIPresidencyArticles of ConfederationExecutive Power

In 1787, ten of the thirteen states gave their governor a one-year term. The Constitution proposed four years with unlimited reelection, for a far more powerful office. Akhil Reed Amar explains the reasoning.

Source: YaleCourses via YouTubeWatch on YouTube
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Akhil Reed AmarDistinguished

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science, Yale University

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University and one of the most cited scholars of the U.S. Constitution.

2 courses · 35 lecturesCanon
Previous · Lecture 3

Congressional Powers, Part 2

Next · Lecture 5

Why Does America Have an Electoral College?

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