Short paper #14

Short paper #14

The expansion of presidential power has immensely risen since the early 20^th century. According to James Patterson, there were contradictory beliefs about executive power by the founding father. The potential for expansion was high, and some of the political leaders such as Washington and Lincoln took the chance to seize this potential to enlarge the role of the office in political issues such as war and foreign affairs. The development of presidential power attributes its success to numerous factors as James explains.

One of the major causes for the rise of presidential power in the 20^th century was the need for a force that would unite labor and management. The other branches of the government were incapable of initiating stability in the industrialization in conjunction with war and foreign affairs. The great depression and the rise of a new electorate of immigrants and blue-collar workers were factors increasing presidential power (Patterson, 1976,39). With an increase in urbanization, the then-president Franklin Roosevelt had the privilege of support from the electorate of immigrants, and this was a boost to his widespread prestige, which is a significant feature in political power. Demands for White House Leadership during the great depression were an influence on presidential power as it. Acquiring the support of the people was arousal to a democracy that was dynamic.

James Patterson quoting Harold Laski mentions precedents as an underlying aspect that led to the rise of presidential power as well. (Patterson, 1976,39)The executive precedent would support the exercises of power, which lay a guiding ground for the other President to follow in the case of war or political emergency. With the threat of war in the picture, the establishment of lasting precedents was necessary. Washington was on the front line in doing so and thus gaining an advantage over constitutional power.

Thirdly, the establishment of the executive branch was an enhancement to the growth of presidential power (Patterson, 1976,39). Managing foreign relations and diplomacy gave the inbuilt administrative advantages such as the capacity for secrecy and dispatch, access to excellent sources of information, and involvement in overseas matters constantly—the ability to conduct treaties such as the Jay treaty substantially upheld the presidential and constitutional authority.

The enhancement of the role of the presidency by Jefferson was a contribution to the growth of presidential power. The functions, including commander-in-chief and congressional leader, was well upheld by Jefferson (Patterson, 1976,39). He plays this role by authorizing the navy to requite the pirates on the Barbary Coast. Regardless of many claiming that he left a weak presidency, he led to the growth of the congress.

(Krutz, 2019), supports the arguments of Patterson. He talks about the evolution and presidency position in the United States government. He brings about the role and functions of the President, which Patterson also mentions. The roles of a president include; the power to negotiate treaties and be in command in the military forces, such as the role taken by Jefferson in commanding the military authorities to retaliate the pirates. Patterson argues that the President is the greatest weapon to fighting the obstacles of social progress, such as sectionalism, which Krutz supports by attributing great powers to the President and mentioning it as the highest office in the land.

According to Krutz, there was a proposal for the methods of electing the President. Casting votes was the method set on the selection of a president with the candidate obtaining the popular vote being the winner; this agrees to Patterson’s argument (Krutz,2019). George Washington won the presidential elections on this approach.

Krutz agrees with James Patterson’s argument on the topic of the presidency, stating the role of the President together, the executive branch exploring its powers, and the part that these major sectors play on elevating the presidential power.

References

Patterson, James T. “The Rise of Presidential Power Before World War II.” Law & Contemp. Probs. 40, (1976): 39.

Krutz, Glen, and Sylvie Waskiewicz. “The Design and Evolution of the Presidency.” American Government 2e (2019).