4Presidency - Modern Emergence - Spring 08.pptVIP

The Emergence of the Modern Presidency The Presidency in the 19th Century Most presidents in the 1800s did not seek to expand the powers of the presidential office. Instead, they took a narrow view of their constitutional duties and deferred to Congress in most matters, especially domestic policy. Indeed, some presidents who challenged Congress risked reducing the powers of the office. Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was impeached for defying Congress’s attempt to prevent him from removing Cabinet members who disagreed with his conciliatory approach toward Southern states after the Civil War. 19th century presidents also refrained from public campaigning and policy persuasion; public speeches were ceremonial; they spoke mostly to Congress, usually in constitutional terms Between 1837 and 1900, only two presidents (Grant, Cleveland) served two full terms. Three were assassinated. The 20th Century Presidency – How Active? Theodore Roosevelt William Howard Taft Conflicting Views of “Executive Power” TR’s “stewardship” theory Taft’s “literalist” theory The president is the “steward” of the people and is best able to see the national interest The “executive power” clause of Article II gives the president the power to do anything in the national interest that is not expressly forbidden by law or the Constitution Most 20th century presidents supported this theory The president is no more capable of seeing the national interest than is the Congress The “executive power” clause of Article II confers no additional power ; the president can do nothing unless it is expressly granted by the law or the Constitution Most 19th century presidents supported this theory Early Modern Presidents – TR and Wilson Theodore Roosevelt (1901-09) Theodore Roosevelt: From “Rough Rider” to “Bully Pulpit” Rose rapidly in politics as a Spanish-American war hero, became New York governor in 1898 vice-president in 1900 Became the youngest president at age 42 when William McKinley was ass