In the book "How Democracies Die," author Steven Levitsky discusses the presidential power to issue pardons. He highlights that although this power is significant, past presidents have generally used it sparingly. They have sought guidance from the Justice Department and have refrained from using pardons for self-serving reasons or to gain political advantages. This historical approach underscores the importance of restraint in the exercise of presidential power. Levitsky emphasizes that exercising such authority responsibly helps maintain the integrity of democratic institutions and promotes public trust in government, contrasting with any attempts to use it for personal or political benefit.

In the book "How Democracies Die," author Steven Levitsky discusses the presidential power to issue pardons. He highlights that although this power is significant, past presidents have generally used it sparingly. They have sought guidance from the Justice Department and have refrained from using pardons for self-serving reasons or to gain political advantages.

This historical approach underscores the importance of restraint in the exercise of presidential power. Levitsky emphasizes that exercising such authority responsibly helps maintain the integrity of democratic institutions and promotes public trust in government, contrasting with any attempts to use it for personal or political benefit.