At a time when citizens are vigorously discussing the proper balance between personal liberties and national security, Scott Matheson has produced a lucid, brilliant volume to guide this vital debate. Drawing on a wide swath of American history, Matheson convincingly demonstrates that the contemporary concern about presidential excess is not new. And he suggests a wise path for the nation to follow--one that will meet threats to our security but also will require presidents to respect constitutional limits.
   --Larry J. Sabato, author of A More Perfect Constitution and director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics

Refracting our post-9/11 history through the lens of prior presidencies, a distinguished dean, legal scholar, and government servant makes a compelling call to recalibrate national security and civil liberties through a renewed commitment to executive constitutionalism.
   --Dean Harold Hongju Koh, Yale Law School; former Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

Scott M. Matheson is Professor of Law, University of Utah.