6: Expansion of Presidential Power

Federalist No. 70: Executive on Top!

• Document: Federalist No. 70
• Summary: Advocates for a single executive to ensure effective, efficient governance.
• Justification: Argues a unified leader is better at executing duties, providing swift decision-making and accountability.

22nd Amendment: Two-Two Means Two Terms

• Amendment: Twenty-Second Amendment
• Impact: Limits the President to two terms.
• Reasoning: Reflects evolving views on presidential power and aims to prevent prolonged dominance.

Interpreting the President's Power

• Debate: Scope and authority of the presidential role.
• Perspectives:
  • Some advocate for limited presidential powers.
  • Others support a broader interpretation, allowing for significant discretionary power.

Key Events and Illustrative Examples

• Abraham Lincoln: Suspended habeas corpus during the Civil War.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt: Implemented transformative economic and welfare programs.
• FDR's Four Freedoms Speech: Advocated for expansive presidential powers to achieve freedom of speech, religion, from want, and from fear.

Contrasting Views on Presidential Power

• Taft's Perspective:
  • Source: "Our Chief Magistrate and His Powers"
  • View: Presidential powers are constitutionally limited; the role should be primarily ceremonial.
• Teddy Roosevelt's Approach:
  • Source: Autobiography
  • View: Advocates for proactive presidential action, even beyond explicit constitutional authorization, to serve national interests.