Date Approved
2014
Date Posted
4-21-2014
Degree Type
Open Access Senior Honors Thesis
Department or School
Political Science
First Advisor
Dr. Barry Pyle
Second Advisor
Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein
Abstract
Considerable controversy exists regarding the use of drones by the United States of America in the targeted killings of individuals overseas, including American citizens. The constitutionality of such strikes comes into question as well as whether the President even possesses adequate power, whether unitary or granted, to order the strikes against not only American citizens, who are obviously protected by the Constitution, but also foreigners to whom the Constitution may or may not apply. This study will take a look at presidential power from the perspective of each of the three branches of government within the United States and from the viewpoint of International Law in order to understand how much power the President actually has to order targeted killings. This analysis is followed by a case study. In the end, this research raises as many questions as it answers.
Recommended Citation
Dugas, Kaitlyn, "An analysis of the extent of presidential power in regard to drone strikes" (2014). Senior Honors Theses and Projects. 392.
https://commons.emich.edu/honors/392