Contributions of the Most Transformative American Presidents - Essay Example

In the past seventy years, there has been a dramatic shift in the balance of power somewhat the executive and the legislative have at least equal powers. Throughout AmericaThroughouture of the presidency has evolved considerably, from the limited role the writers of the constitution had in mind to the emergence of the president-centered government of the twentieth century. This paper will therefore discuss the contributions of the most transformative of American presidents, and how their presidential powers and their roles expanded over the years. Article II of America’s constitution vides for the powers, qualifications, and benefits of the presidency.

Presidential power falls under three categories namely constitutional, delegated, and inherent forms of power. Delegated and constitutional powers make up the expressed powers since they are clearly outlined in the constitution. Inherent powers, however, have been interpreted differently, which at times make the president have great power. The price of the president has always been controversial. The judiciary and the congress have clashed with both Clinton and Bush administrations over matters of executive privilege, the war on terror, and impeachment.

The constitution assigned military, diplomatic, and appointment powers to the president. Almost all modern presidents have expanded their powers. Given the foreign policy challenges of Afghanistan, Iraq, and North Korea together with the disruption involving the domestic economy of the credit crisis, President Obama will soon have to use his executive power as his predecessors have. The executive order is a form of inherent power that is a regulation or rule issued by the president that has the force of law.

Reasons for issuing such an order may be to enforce statutes, to modify or establish how executive agencies operate and to enforce treaties o,r the constitution. For example, on September 24, 1957, President Dwight Eisenhower issued executive order 10730 matching several troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to stop local angry mobs from interfering with Central High School’s integration. Until the 1930s congress dominated the executive branch as the constitution gave the president limited powers, and for many years presidents played second fiddle to Congress.

With only a few exemptions, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, Woodrow Wilson, and Theodore Roosevelt provided the basis of the turning point in the 1930s that came with the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt. Andrew Jackson used his power and image to strengthen the developing party system by rewarding loyal followers with presidential appointments. Jackson also asserted national power by facing South Carolina’s emulation of a federal tariff law and made excessive use of the making. He vetoed more bills than the six previous presidents combined.

The emergency created by the Civil War (1861-1865) made Abraham Lincoln assume powers that no president before him had claimed. Lincoln jailed people suspected of disloyalty and suspended habeas corpus (the right to an appearance in court). He also ordered blockades of southern ports and expanded the size ports the army without the consent of Congress. (Okyere 133)row Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt each expanded the power of the presidency. Roosevelt worked with Congress closely define legislative powers by sending messages to it.

He also played a crucial role in developing the international power of the United States. Roosevelt also introduced the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine which gave the United States the police power needed to interfere in the Western Hemisphere if the need arises. The doctrine gave the United States a power that they never had. This was an example o the need to update the laws of the nation as needs arise. Wilson formulated bills that Congress considered, regulating the national economy, passing new antitrust laws, putting a graduated income tax in place, and setting up the Federal Reserve Banking System.

He had to take a leading role in international affairs with the emergence of World War 1. (William 105)Franklin Roosevelt, elected for times to the presidency led the nation through the crisis of World War II and the crisis of the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s new deal in programs to regulate the economy made him gain power.