Fiveable
Fiveable

or

Log in

Find what you need to study


Light

Find what you need to study

2.6 Expansion of Presidential Power

4 min readfebruary 10, 2023

Akhilesh Shivaramakrishnan

Akhilesh Shivaramakrishnan

Jed Quiaoit

Jed Quiaoit

Akhilesh Shivaramakrishnan

Akhilesh Shivaramakrishnan

Jed Quiaoit

Jed Quiaoit

We have discussed several powers of the presidency already, but the powers that the President currently has is far beyond those described in the Constitution. This expansion of powers - both formal and informal - has been justified by presidents. 🦾

Key Documents and Developments

Federalist No. 70: Executive on Top!

A key foundational document that you should be familiar with is . This may be one of the documents that you will be required to pull evidence from for the argumentative essay FRQ. This has often been used as justification for the increased powers allocated to the executive branch.

In , the arguments in favor of having a single executive are presented and explained. The author of the Federalist Papers, , lays out the reasons for why he believed it was necessary to have a single, unified leader in the executive branch of government. He provides justifications for why a single executive would be better equipped to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the office, as well as why it would be more efficient and better for the functioning of the government as a whole. 💪🏼

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-r7lgQmGqY3zz.png?alt=media&token=90ca0b8f-d98d-450e-af80-a61df5e4b98a

Source: Founder of the Day

22nd Amendment: Two-Two Means Two Terms

The role of the President of the United States has evolved over time and has been shaped by various restrictions on the length of their term in office and the limits placed on their constitutional powers. This evolution is reflected in the passage of the Twenty-Second Amendment, which limits the President to two terms in office. 2️⃣

This amendment demonstrates a shift in the understanding of the role and responsibilities of the President, and highlights the desire to ensure that the President does not hold too much power for too long. These term-of-office and constitutional-power restrictions illustrate how the role of the President has changed and continues to change over time in response to the needs and concerns of the American people and the country as a whole. 💡 Fun fact: The was passed in response to ’s four terms in office.

Interpreting the President's Power

The interpretation and use of presidential power has been a matter of ongoing debate and discussion, with different perspectives holding varying views on the role of the president. ☀️

  • Some believe that the presidential role should be limited in scope and authority

  • Others advocate for a more expansive interpretation that would give the president greater latitude in the use of their power. This debate is taking place in the context of current events and continues to be a topic of interest and concern among political observers, analysts, and the general public.

This disagreement stems from differing interpretations of the Constitution, with some people interpreting it as granting broad powers to the president, while others believe that the document limits the president's authority. The outcome of this debate has far-reaching implications for the functioning of the government and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

Furthermore, the way that the president uses their power can impact a range of issues, from domestic policy to foreign relations, and has the potential to shape the future of the country for years to come.

Key Events and Illustrative Examples

Several events can demonstrate the expansion of presidential power. Here are some you should consider: 🎩

  • - President Lincoln suspended habeas corpus.

  • - President Roosevelt’s programs completely changed the American economy at the time, including implementation of welfare programs.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-n1TMvP8Rg1xb.jpg?alt=media&token=5b6bd7b5-f132-4735-a257-944272e96f54

Source: Wikimedia Commons

FDR's State of the Union Address (1941)

Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s State of the Union Address in 1941 is often cited as a prime example of a more expansive interpretation of presidential power. In this address, Roosevelt called for a "Four Freedoms" speech, in which he outlined his vision for a world based on:

  • freedom of speech

  • freedom of religion

  • freedom from want

  • freedom from fear

He argued that the president had the responsibility to lead the nation towards these goals, and that the executive branch should have the necessary powers to achieve them.

Taft's Our Chief Magistrate and His Powers (1916)

On the other hand, ’s Our Chief Magistrate and His Powers is an example of a more limited perspective on presidential power. In this book, Taft argued that the president's powers are limited by the Constitution and that the president must act within the bounds of the law.

He believed that the president should not take actions that are not specifically authorized by the Constitution and that the president's role should be primarily ceremonial, with executive power being vested in other branches of government. 🃏

Teddy Roosevelt's Autobiography (1913)

's writrten autobiography is another example of a more expansive interpretation of presidential power. In this book, Roosevelt argues that the president should not be afraid to act boldly and use their powers to advance the nation's interests, even if their actions are not explicitly authorized by the Constitution.

He believed that the president should act as a "steward of the people," using their power to address the most pressing issues of the day, and that the president should be prepared to take bold action to advance the country's interests.

🎥 Watch: AP GOPO - Presidential Roles

Key Terms to Review (12)

22nd Amendment

: The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, limits the president to two terms or a maximum of ten years in office.

Alexander Hamilton

: Alexander Hamilton was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, first Secretary of the Treasury, and a strong advocate for a centralized federal government.

Civil War

: The Civil War was a major conflict fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865 between Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy) primarily over issues related to slavery and state sovereignty.

FDR's State of the Union Address (1941)

: This was a speech delivered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Congress on January 6, 1941, outlining his vision for a world founded on four essential human freedoms: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

Federalist No. 70

: Federalist No. 70 is an essay written by Alexander Hamilton arguing for a single, energetic executive in the U.S. government, which ultimately influenced the structure of the American presidency.

Four Freedoms Speech

: Part of FDR’s State of the Union Address in 1941 where he proposed four fundamental freedoms that people 'everywhere in the world' should enjoy - Freedom of speech and expression; Freedom to worship God each one’s own way; Freedom from want; Freedom from fear.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

: Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was the 32nd president of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945. He is best known for his New Deal program that aimed to bring economic relief during the Great Depression and for leading the country during most of World War II.

Our Chief Magistrate and His Powers (1916)

: This is a book written by constitutional scholar William Howard Taft, who later became President himself. In it, he discusses the powers and limitations of the executive branch in American government.

Teddy Roosevelt's Autobiography (1913)

: This is an autobiography written by Theodore Roosevelt, providing detailed accounts about his personal life, career, ideologies and experiences as President.

The New Deal

: The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency in response to the Great Depression. It aimed at providing relief for the unemployed, reforming business and financial practices, and promoting recovery of the economy.

Theodore Roosevelt

: Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States (1901-1909). He is known for his energetic personality, range of interests and achievements, leadership of the Progressive Movement, and his "cowboy" image and robust masculinity.

William Howard Taft

: William Howard Taft was the 27th President of the United States (1909-1913) and later the tenth Chief Justice of the United States (1921-1930). He is the only person to have held both offices.

2.6 Expansion of Presidential Power

4 min readfebruary 10, 2023

Akhilesh Shivaramakrishnan

Akhilesh Shivaramakrishnan

Jed Quiaoit

Jed Quiaoit

Akhilesh Shivaramakrishnan

Akhilesh Shivaramakrishnan

Jed Quiaoit

Jed Quiaoit

We have discussed several powers of the presidency already, but the powers that the President currently has is far beyond those described in the Constitution. This expansion of powers - both formal and informal - has been justified by presidents. 🦾

Key Documents and Developments

Federalist No. 70: Executive on Top!

A key foundational document that you should be familiar with is . This may be one of the documents that you will be required to pull evidence from for the argumentative essay FRQ. This has often been used as justification for the increased powers allocated to the executive branch.

In , the arguments in favor of having a single executive are presented and explained. The author of the Federalist Papers, , lays out the reasons for why he believed it was necessary to have a single, unified leader in the executive branch of government. He provides justifications for why a single executive would be better equipped to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the office, as well as why it would be more efficient and better for the functioning of the government as a whole. 💪🏼

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-r7lgQmGqY3zz.png?alt=media&token=90ca0b8f-d98d-450e-af80-a61df5e4b98a

Source: Founder of the Day

22nd Amendment: Two-Two Means Two Terms

The role of the President of the United States has evolved over time and has been shaped by various restrictions on the length of their term in office and the limits placed on their constitutional powers. This evolution is reflected in the passage of the Twenty-Second Amendment, which limits the President to two terms in office. 2️⃣

This amendment demonstrates a shift in the understanding of the role and responsibilities of the President, and highlights the desire to ensure that the President does not hold too much power for too long. These term-of-office and constitutional-power restrictions illustrate how the role of the President has changed and continues to change over time in response to the needs and concerns of the American people and the country as a whole. 💡 Fun fact: The was passed in response to ’s four terms in office.

Interpreting the President's Power

The interpretation and use of presidential power has been a matter of ongoing debate and discussion, with different perspectives holding varying views on the role of the president. ☀️

  • Some believe that the presidential role should be limited in scope and authority

  • Others advocate for a more expansive interpretation that would give the president greater latitude in the use of their power. This debate is taking place in the context of current events and continues to be a topic of interest and concern among political observers, analysts, and the general public.

This disagreement stems from differing interpretations of the Constitution, with some people interpreting it as granting broad powers to the president, while others believe that the document limits the president's authority. The outcome of this debate has far-reaching implications for the functioning of the government and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

Furthermore, the way that the president uses their power can impact a range of issues, from domestic policy to foreign relations, and has the potential to shape the future of the country for years to come.

Key Events and Illustrative Examples

Several events can demonstrate the expansion of presidential power. Here are some you should consider: 🎩

  • - President Lincoln suspended habeas corpus.

  • - President Roosevelt’s programs completely changed the American economy at the time, including implementation of welfare programs.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-n1TMvP8Rg1xb.jpg?alt=media&token=5b6bd7b5-f132-4735-a257-944272e96f54

Source: Wikimedia Commons

FDR's State of the Union Address (1941)

Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s State of the Union Address in 1941 is often cited as a prime example of a more expansive interpretation of presidential power. In this address, Roosevelt called for a "Four Freedoms" speech, in which he outlined his vision for a world based on:

  • freedom of speech

  • freedom of religion

  • freedom from want

  • freedom from fear

He argued that the president had the responsibility to lead the nation towards these goals, and that the executive branch should have the necessary powers to achieve them.

Taft's Our Chief Magistrate and His Powers (1916)

On the other hand, ’s Our Chief Magistrate and His Powers is an example of a more limited perspective on presidential power. In this book, Taft argued that the president's powers are limited by the Constitution and that the president must act within the bounds of the law.

He believed that the president should not take actions that are not specifically authorized by the Constitution and that the president's role should be primarily ceremonial, with executive power being vested in other branches of government. 🃏

Teddy Roosevelt's Autobiography (1913)

's writrten autobiography is another example of a more expansive interpretation of presidential power. In this book, Roosevelt argues that the president should not be afraid to act boldly and use their powers to advance the nation's interests, even if their actions are not explicitly authorized by the Constitution.

He believed that the president should act as a "steward of the people," using their power to address the most pressing issues of the day, and that the president should be prepared to take bold action to advance the country's interests.

🎥 Watch: AP GOPO - Presidential Roles

Key Terms to Review (12)

22nd Amendment

: The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, limits the president to two terms or a maximum of ten years in office.

Alexander Hamilton

: Alexander Hamilton was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, first Secretary of the Treasury, and a strong advocate for a centralized federal government.

Civil War

: The Civil War was a major conflict fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865 between Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy) primarily over issues related to slavery and state sovereignty.

FDR's State of the Union Address (1941)

: This was a speech delivered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Congress on January 6, 1941, outlining his vision for a world founded on four essential human freedoms: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

Federalist No. 70

: Federalist No. 70 is an essay written by Alexander Hamilton arguing for a single, energetic executive in the U.S. government, which ultimately influenced the structure of the American presidency.

Four Freedoms Speech

: Part of FDR’s State of the Union Address in 1941 where he proposed four fundamental freedoms that people 'everywhere in the world' should enjoy - Freedom of speech and expression; Freedom to worship God each one’s own way; Freedom from want; Freedom from fear.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

: Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was the 32nd president of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945. He is best known for his New Deal program that aimed to bring economic relief during the Great Depression and for leading the country during most of World War II.

Our Chief Magistrate and His Powers (1916)

: This is a book written by constitutional scholar William Howard Taft, who later became President himself. In it, he discusses the powers and limitations of the executive branch in American government.

Teddy Roosevelt's Autobiography (1913)

: This is an autobiography written by Theodore Roosevelt, providing detailed accounts about his personal life, career, ideologies and experiences as President.

The New Deal

: The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency in response to the Great Depression. It aimed at providing relief for the unemployed, reforming business and financial practices, and promoting recovery of the economy.

Theodore Roosevelt

: Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States (1901-1909). He is known for his energetic personality, range of interests and achievements, leadership of the Progressive Movement, and his "cowboy" image and robust masculinity.

William Howard Taft

: William Howard Taft was the 27th President of the United States (1909-1913) and later the tenth Chief Justice of the United States (1921-1930). He is the only person to have held both offices.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.