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Presidents as Monarchs

David Cannadine says that when Barack Obama's critics accuse him of acting like a king, they're forgetting the origins of the office of president.

David Cannadine says when Barack Obama's critics accuse him of acting like a king they're forgetting the origins of the office of President.
"From the outset, the American presidency was vested with what might be termed monarchical authority, which meant that it really was a form of elective kingship."
Producer: Sheila Cook.

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10 minutes

Last on

Sun 17 May 2015 08:48

A Point of View: Is the US president an elected monarch?

A Point of View: Is the US president an elected monarch?

President Obama has been accused of acting like a monarch. But the US presidency has been an elected kingship since 1776 in all but name, argues the historian David Cannadine.

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Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter David Cannadine
Producer Sheila Cook

Broadcasts

  • Fri 15 May 2015 20:50
  • Sun 17 May 2015 08:48

Podcast