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

Summary

This video explores the expansion of presidential power in the US, focusing on how it has grown since Franklin Roosevelt. It distinguishes between formal powers granted by the Constitution and informal powers exercised by the president. The video contrasts Teddy Roosevelt's broad interpretation of executive power with William Howard Taft's more restricted view. It also covers key moments in history, like Lincoln's wartime actions and FDR's New Deal, which significantly expanded the executive's role. Despite this growth, checks like impeachments and the 22nd Amendment show the president is not all-powerful.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses the expansion of presidential power in the AP Government curriculum, focusing on Unit 2.
• 👤 The power of the U.S. presidency has grown significantly since Franklin Roosevelt, with an increase in both formal and informal powers.
• 📜 Formal powers are those explicitly granted to the president in Article 2 of the Constitution, like the veto or appointing federal judges.
• 📝 Informal powers are not mentioned in the Constitution but are exercised by the president, such as bargaining, persuasion, and executive agreements.
• 🤔 The video explores how presidents interpret and justify their use of these powers, with examples from Teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft.
• 🦅 Teddy Roosevelt believed the president should act on behalf of the people unless restricted by the Constitution.
• 🏛️ William Howard Taft advocated for a more restricted view, arguing the president can only exercise powers explicitly granted by the Constitution.
• 🔄 The video illustrates the shift in executive power from George Washington's deference to Congress to Andrew Jackson's assertion of the president as the people's representative.
• 🌐 Abraham Lincoln expanded executive power during the Civil War, suspending habeas corpus and taking measures to save the Union.
• 💡 Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal policies and use of executive powers during the Great Depression further expanded the role of the presidency.
• 🚫 Despite the growth of presidential power, there are checks and balances, as seen with Donald Trump's impeachments and the 22nd Amendment limiting terms.

Q & A

What are the two types of presidential powers discussed in the script?

The script discusses formal and informal powers. Formal powers are those explicitly granted to the president in Article 2 of the Constitution, such as the veto or appointing federal judges. Informal powers are not mentioned in the Constitution but are exercised by the president, such as bargaining, persuasion, and executive agreements.

What was Alexander Hamilton's argument in Federalist 70 regarding the executive branch?

Hamilton argued for a single executive in Federalist 70, stating that a single person can act more decisively when required and that a single executive would be a protection against the expansion of executive power because they would be closely watched and would be more careful with their power.

How did President Teddy Roosevelt interpret the executive role?

President Teddy Roosevelt believed that every executive officer, especially those in high positions, should actively and affirmatively do all they could for the people unless it was explicitly restricted by the Constitution or laws.

What was President William Howard Taft's view on executive power?

President William Howard Taft argued for a more restricted understanding of executive power, stating that the president can exercise no power that cannot be traced to a specific grant of power or reasonably implied within such express grant.

How did Andrew Jackson's conception of executive power differ from George Washington's?

Andrew Jackson believed himself to be the representative of the people and had a mandate to carry out their will, which was a significant shift from George Washington's conception of executive power, where he basically deferred to Congress.

What actions did Abraham Lincoln take to expand executive power during the Civil War?

Abraham Lincoln assumed executive powers to save the Union and emancipate the enslaved population of the Confederacy. He also suspended the constitutional right of habeas corpus, allowing people to be arrested without a proper trial.

How did Franklin D. Roosevelt use his executive powers during the Great Depression?

Franklin D. Roosevelt used his executive powers broadly to pass New Deal legislation, create new agencies, spend federal money to put people to work, and use the veto more than any other president before him.

What was the impact of FDR's presidency on the perception of presidential power?

FDR's presidency expanded the perception of presidential power significantly, proving Hamilton's point in Federalist 70 that a president could act energetically in times of crisis. Despite concerns about a tyrannical executive, FDR's actions were seen as necessary for the country's recovery.

What checks on presidential power are mentioned in the script?

The script mentions impeachment as a check on presidential power, as seen with Presidents Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and Andrew Johnson. Additionally, the 22nd Amendment limits the president to two terms in office.

How has the debate about the size of government changed since FDR's presidency?

Since FDR's presidency, the debate has shifted from whether the government should be big or small to whether there should be a smaller big government or a bigger big government, reflecting the acceptance of a larger government role post-New Deal era.