Expansion of Presidential Power Over Time

Overview

• Exploration of the growth of presidential power since Franklin Roosevelt.
• Objective: Explain how presidents have interpreted and justified their use of formal and informal powers.

Formal and Informal Powers

• Formal Powers: Explicitly granted in Article II of the Constitution (e.g., veto power, appointing federal judges).
• Informal Powers: Not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution (e.g., bargaining and persuasion, executive agreements).

Historical Context

• Presidents have increasingly used both formal and informal powers over time.
• Growth in executive power was a concern during the Constitution's ratification debates.
  • Anti-Federalists' concern: Fear of a too-powerful executive.
  • Federalist 70 (Alexander Hamilton): Argues for a single executive to ensure decisiveness and accountability.

Interpretations of Executive Power

• Teddy Roosevelt’s View:
  • The president should act as a steward of the people.
  • Actions are justified unless explicitly restricted by the Constitution.
• William Howard Taft’s View:
  • The president should only exercise powers explicitly granted by the Constitution.

Evolution of Executive Power

• George Washington: Deferred to Congress, reinforcing its power.
• Andrew Jackson: Expanded presidential power by taking on the role of a people's representative.
  • Significantly increased the use of the veto power.
• Abraham Lincoln: Expanded powers during the Civil War.
  • Suspended habeas corpus to preserve the Union.
• Franklin Roosevelt:
  • Used executive power extensively to implement New Deal policies.
  • Elected four times, breaking the two-term tradition.
  • Attempted court-packing to favor his policies.

Contemporary Implications

• Post-FDR, presidential power remains expanded compared to Washington's era.
• Debates on government size focus on "smaller big government" vs "bigger big government."

Checks on Presidential Power

• Impeachment as a check on presidential power:
  • Donald Trump impeached twice, joining Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson.
• 22nd Amendment: Limits presidents to two terms following FDR's four terms.

Conclusion

• Despite growth, presidential power is still checked by other government branches.
• Understanding the evolution of presidential power is critical in the context of AP Government curriculum.