Heimlich History: Expansion of Presidential Power

Introduction

• Focus on Unit 2 of AP Government curriculum.
• Examines 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 2 of the Constitution (e.g., veto, appointing judges).
• Informal Powers: Not explicitly mentioned but exercised (e.g., bargaining, executive agreements).
• Over time, presidents have increasingly used both types of powers, leading to a stronger executive.

Historical Context

• Growth of executive power feared by anti-federalists during Constitution ratification debates.
• Federalist 70 by Alexander Hamilton argued for a single executive:
  • A single person acts decisively.
  • Clear accountability if power is abused.
• Hamilton's arguments aimed to assuage fears of a monarchy.

Interpretations of Executive Role

• Teddy Roosevelt: President acts for the people unless constitutionally restricted.
• William Howard Taft: President should only act if constitutionally granted power.

Evolution of Presidential Power

• George Washington: Deferred to Congress.
• Andrew Jackson: Saw himself as the people's representative, used veto power extensively.
• Abraham Lincoln: Expanded powers during Civil War (e.g., suspending habeas corpus).
• Franklin Roosevelt:
  • Used executive power for New Deal during Great Depression.
  • Elected four times, expanded federal government's role.
  • Attempted but failed to reshape Supreme Court.

Modern Presidential Power

• Post-FDR era saw continued expansion and contraction of power.
• Debate shifted from size of government to degree of expansion within a bigger government context.

Checks on Presidential Power

• Impeachment: Presidents can be impeached, as seen with Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and Andrew Johnson.
• 22nd Amendment: Limits presidents to two terms, a response to FDR’s four terms.

Conclusion

• Despite growth, presidential power is still checked by other branches.
• Continual debate over the role and power of the presidency in a democratic society.

Additional Resources

• Review packet available for further study to aid in achieving high marks in exams.