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AP US Government
Unit 2 Overview: Interactions Among Branches of Government
2.1 Congress: The Senate and the House of Representatives
2.2 Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress
2.3 Congressional Behavior
2.4 Roles and Power of the President
2.5 Checks on the Presidency
2.6 Expansion of Presidential Power
2.7 Presidential Communication
2.8 The Judicial Branch
2.9 Legitimacy of the Judicial Branch
2.10 The Court in Action
2.11 Checks on the Judicial Branch
2.12 The Bureaucracy
2.13 Discretionary and Rule-Making Authority
2.14 Holding the Bureaucracy Accountable
2.15 Policy and the Branches of Government
2.16 Multiple Choice Questions
2.17 MC Answers and Review

👩🏾‍⚖️ap us government review

2.6 Expansion of Presidential Power

Verified for the 2025 AP US Government exam•Last Updated on March 3, 2025

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 Federalist No. 70. 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 Federalist No. 70, the arguments in favor of having a single executive are presented and explained. The author of the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton, 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. 💪🏼

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 22nd Amendment was passed in response to Franklin D. Roosevelt’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: 🎩

  • Civil War - President Lincoln suspended habeas corpus.
  • The New Deal - President Roosevelt’s programs completely changed the American economy at the time, including implementation of welfare programs.
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, William Howard Taft’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)

Theodore Roosevelt'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 United States Constitution limits the president to two elected terms in office, or a maximum of ten years if they assumed the presidency via succession. This amendment was ratified in 1951 and was largely a response to Franklin D. Roosevelt's four-term presidency, reflecting a desire to prevent any future concentration of power in the executive branch and reinforce democratic principles.
Alexander Hamilton: Alexander Hamilton was a founding father of the United States, serving as the first Secretary of the Treasury. He played a crucial role in establishing the nation's financial system and advocating for a strong central government, which influenced the development of American political and economic policies.
Civil War: A Civil War is a conflict between groups within the same country, often involving competing factions seeking control of the government or territory. In the United States, the Civil War (1861-1865) was primarily fought over issues such as slavery, state rights, and economic differences, leading to significant changes in the roles and powers of government entities.
FDR's State of the Union Address (1941): FDR's State of the Union Address in 1941, delivered on January 6, was a pivotal moment in American history where President Franklin D. Roosevelt outlined his vision for the nation and the world amidst the growing threats of fascism and totalitarianism. In this address, he famously introduced the Four Freedoms concept, emphasizing freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. This address played a crucial role in expanding presidential power by asserting a proactive stance in international affairs and laying the groundwork for increased government intervention in economic and social policies.
Federalist No. 70: Federalist No. 70 is an essay written by Alexander Hamilton that argues for a strong and energetic executive branch in the new government established by the Constitution. The essay emphasizes the need for a single president who can act decisively and efficiently, rather than a committee or multiple leaders, which Hamilton believes would lead to indecisiveness and conflict. This piece contributes significantly to the understanding of the expansion of presidential power, as it lays the foundation for the modern presidency's authority and responsibilities.
Four Freedoms Speech: The Four Freedoms Speech was a pivotal address delivered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in January 1941, outlining four essential freedoms that he believed everyone should enjoy: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. This speech is significant as it helped to expand the role and influence of the presidency, framing American values during a time of global turmoil and setting the stage for U.S. involvement in World War II.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: Franklin D. Roosevelt, often referred to as FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. He is known for his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, significantly expanding the powers of the presidency and transforming American government through his New Deal policies.
Our Chief Magistrate and His Powers (1916): This work, authored by William Howard Taft, outlines the authority and responsibilities of the President of the United States, emphasizing the role as 'Chief Magistrate' within the framework of American government. It connects to the ongoing evolution of presidential power by addressing how the executive branch's functions have expanded and adapted over time, reflecting changes in society, politics, and global engagement.
Teddy Roosevelt's Autobiography (1913): Teddy Roosevelt's Autobiography, published in 1913, is a detailed account of his life, political career, and philosophies. In it, he discusses the evolution of the presidency and his approach to leadership, which reflects the significant expansion of presidential power during his administration. Roosevelt's narrative showcases how he viewed the role of the president as a proactive force in governance, shaping modern expectations of executive authority.
The New Deal: The New Deal refers to a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression during the 1930s. It aimed to provide economic relief, recovery, and reforms to the United States, significantly expanding the role of the federal government in economic and social welfare. The New Deal not only addressed immediate economic challenges but also set a precedent for increased presidential power and government intervention in the economy.
Theodore Roosevelt: Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States, serving from 1901 to 1909, known for his dynamic leadership style and progressive reforms. He expanded the powers of the presidency by taking bold actions that addressed issues such as trust-busting, conservation, and labor rights. Roosevelt's approach set a precedent for future presidents to adopt a more active role in domestic and foreign affairs, marking a significant shift in the balance of power within the federal government.
William Howard Taft: William Howard Taft was the 27th President of the United States, serving from 1909 to 1913. His presidency marked a significant expansion of presidential power through his efforts in trust-busting, tariff reform, and the promotion of foreign policy known as 'Dollar Diplomacy,' which aimed to use economic power to influence international relations.
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2.7 Presidential Communication