8.2 The Evolution of the Presidency

The presidency has evolved significantly since its constitutional foundation. From Washington's precedent-setting leadership to Lincoln's wartime expansion and FDR's New Deal, each president has shaped the office's power and scope.

Today's presidency is characterized by a larger executive branch, increased media scrutiny, and a more prominent role in policy-making. The growth of federal government and complex global issues have contributed to the modern presidency's expanded influence and responsibilities.

Presidency's Historical Evolution

Constitutional Foundation and Early Development

• Article II of the Constitution established the presidency, outlining the powers and responsibilities of the executive branch
• George Washington set important precedents for the presidency (use of executive orders, power to negotiate treaties)
• The role of the president evolved over time with significant expansions of power occurring during times of crisis (Civil War, World Wars I and II, Great Depression)

Shaping the Presidency through Individual Leadership

• The presidency has been shaped by the personalities and leadership styles of individual presidents
  • Abraham Lincoln expanded presidential power during the Civil War (suspending habeas corpus, issuing Emancipation Proclamation)
  • Theodore Roosevelt's "stewardship theory" asserted that the president could take any action not explicitly prohibited by the Constitution
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs and World War II leadership greatly expanded the scope and power of the federal government and the presidency
  • Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society programs further expanded the role of the federal government in domestic policy

Characteristics of the Modern Presidency

• The modern presidency is characterized by a larger executive branch, increased media scrutiny, and a more prominent role in domestic and foreign policy
• The growth of the federal government and the expansion of the executive branch have contributed to the increased power of the presidency
• The rise of mass media and the 24-hour news cycle have made the presidency more visible and subject to constant scrutiny
• The increasing complexity of domestic and foreign policy issues has required a more active and engaged presidency

Key Presidents' Impact on Power

George Washington's Precedent-Setting Leadership

• Set important precedents for the presidency (use of executive orders, power to negotiate treaties)
• Established the cabinet system and the tradition of delivering an annual State of the Union address
• Demonstrated the importance of a strong executive branch while respecting the separation of powers

Abraham Lincoln's Wartime Expansion of Power

• Expanded presidential power during the Civil War by suspending habeas corpus and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation
• Asserted the president's role as commander-in-chief and the importance of preserving the Union
• Set a precedent for the use of executive power during times of national crisis

Theodore Roosevelt's Stewardship Theory

• Asserted that the president could take any action not explicitly prohibited by the Constitution
• Used executive orders and the bully pulpit to shape policy and influence public opinion
• Expanded the president's role in foreign policy and conservation efforts

Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal and Wartime Leadership

• New Deal programs and World War II leadership greatly expanded the scope and power of the federal government and the presidency
• Used executive orders and fireside chats to communicate directly with the American people
• Established the modern presidency as a powerful force in shaping domestic and foreign policy

President's Role vs Congress and Judiciary

Evolving Relationship with Congress

• The president's role in relation to Congress has evolved over time, with periods of cooperation and conflict between the two branches
• The president's power to veto legislation and issue executive orders has been used to shape policy and challenge Congress
• The use of signing statements and other unilateral actions has allowed presidents to bypass Congress and shape policy on their own

Appointment Power and the Judiciary

• The president's role in appointing federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, has become increasingly politicized and contentious
• The judiciary has played a role in checking presidential power (cases involving executive privilege, separation of powers)
• Landmark Supreme Court cases have shaped the boundaries of presidential power (Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer, United States v. Nixon)

Factors Contributing to Modern Presidency

Expansion of Federal Government and Executive Branch

• The growth of the federal government and the expansion of the executive branch have contributed to the increased power of the presidency
• The creation of new executive agencies and departments has expanded the president's influence over domestic policy
• The president's role as the head of the executive branch has become more complex and demanding

Media Scrutiny and the 24-Hour News Cycle

• The rise of mass media and the 24-hour news cycle have made the presidency more visible and subject to constant scrutiny
• Presidents must navigate a complex media landscape and use various communication strategies to shape public opinion
• The increased focus on the president's personal life and character has added to the challenges of the modern presidency

Complexity of Domestic and Foreign Policy Issues

• The increasing complexity of domestic and foreign policy issues has required a more active and engaged presidency
• Presidents must balance competing interests and navigate a globalized world with multiple challenges (terrorism, climate change, economic instability)
• The president's role as commander-in-chief of the military has become increasingly important in an era of global conflict and terrorism