Expansion of FEDERAL POWER [AP Gov Review Unit 2 Topic 6 (2.6)]

Expansion of Presidential Power in U.S. History

Introduction to Presidential Powers

• The video discusses the expansion of presidential power since Franklin Roosevelt, noting an increase by approximately 13 or 14 metric butt loads.

• The objective is to explain how presidents have interpreted and justified their formal and informal powers.

Formal vs. Informal Powers

• Formal Powers: Explicitly granted by Article 2 of the Constitution (e.g., veto power, appointing federal judges).

• Informal Powers: Not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but exercised by presidents (e.g., bargaining, persuasion, executive agreements).

• Over time, both types of powers have been increasingly utilized, leading to a more powerful executive branch than at the republic's inception.

Historical Context and Federalist Arguments

• Anti-federalists feared a strong executive during the Constitution's ratification debates; Hamilton addressed these fears in Federalist No. 70.

• Hamilton argued for a single executive for decisiveness and accountability; he believed this would prevent excessive power consolidation.

Contrasting Views on Executive Power

• Teddy Roosevelt viewed the president as a steward of the people with a duty to act unless explicitly restricted by law.

• William Howard Taft held a more restrictive view, asserting that presidential actions must be traced back to specific constitutional grants.

Evolution of Executive Power Through Presidents

• George Washington deferred to Congress; Andrew Jackson claimed representation of the people's will, increasing his use of vetoes significantly.

• Abraham Lincoln expanded executive power during the Civil War for union preservation and emancipation efforts, including suspending habeas corpus rights.

Franklin Roosevelt's Expansion During Crisis

The Expansion of Presidential Power

Franklin D. Roosevelt's Impact on Executive Authority

• Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) utilized significant federal funding to create jobs, demonstrating a proactive approach to governance and an expansion of presidential power.

• FDR was elected four times, breaking the two-term tradition established by George Washington, which raised concerns about executive overreach.

• Despite being seen as a potential tyrant, FDR's energetic leadership during the 1930s crisis illustrated Hamilton's argument in Federalist No. 70 regarding the need for a strong executive.

• The presidency has seen fluctuating power since FDR, but it has never reverted to the limited scope characteristic of earlier presidents like Washington.