The Powers of the Presidency: From Lincoln to the Modern Era

Summary

This video explores the evolution of presidential power in the U.S. from the Civil War to modern times. It compares President Lincoln's limited wartime powers with the expansive executive authority wielded by President George W. Bush during the War on Terror. It covers the formal and informal powers granted to the presidency, including military command, executive orders, and treaties. The video highlights how national crises have historically expanded presidential powers and emphasizes the growing influence of the presidency in shaping policy, influencing public opinion, and managing crises. It also discusses the constitutional checks that limit presidential power, including oversight by Congress and the courts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The formal powers of the presidency are outlined in Article 2 of the U.S. Constitution, including roles as Commander-in-Chief, the power to grant pardons, and the ability to negotiate treaties.
• 😀 The powers of the presidency have expanded significantly over time, especially during crises such as the Civil War, World Wars, and the Cold War.
• 😀 Presidents have developed informal powers, like the ability to persuade the public and Congress, often through the 'bully pulpit', to guide national discourse and influence policy agendas.
• 😀 Executive orders and executive agreements are two key tools used by presidents to bypass Congress and achieve policy goals, often on national security, domestic policy, or international relations.
• 😀 While executive orders have become a common tool, they can be easily reversed or modified by subsequent presidents, but they can still significantly affect domestic policy.
• 😀 Executive agreements, unlike formal treaties, do not require Senate ratification and are used for international agreements, covering topics like trade, defense, and environmental policies.
• 😀 Signing statements, issued by presidents when signing a bill into law, have become a way to interpret or even challenge provisions in the legislation, especially in cases of national security.
• 😀 National crises, like natural disasters or terrorist attacks, often lead to an increase in executive power, with presidents expected to act quickly and decisively to manage situations.
• 😀 The growing power of the presidency is due to factors like national emergencies, changes in communication (media), and the expanding federal bureaucracy.
• 😀 Despite the growth of executive power, there are checks on presidential authority, including Congressional oversight, judicial review, and state autonomy through federalism.

Q & A

What formal powers does the U.S. president have according to the Constitution?

The U.S. president's formal powers, outlined in Article 2 of the Constitution, include being the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, granting pardons, negotiating treaties, making executive and judicial appointments, delivering the State of the Union Address, and the ability to veto legislation.

How has the scope of presidential power evolved over time?

The scope of presidential power has expanded significantly, especially during times of national crisis. Early presidents like George Washington set precedents, but the powers of the presidency grew particularly in the 20th century, through actions like executive orders and agreements, and through responses to crises like the World Wars and the Cold War.

What role does the 'bully pulpit' play in presidential power?

The 'bully pulpit' refers to the president’s ability to influence public opinion and sway other branches of government using the office's visibility. Through speeches, media appearances, and direct appeals to the public, the president can set the legislative agenda and influence national discourse.

How do executive orders differ from executive agreements?

Executive orders are directives issued by the president to manage federal government operations, with the force of law. They are used to direct agencies and manage executive functions. Executive agreements, on the other hand, are international agreements that bypass Senate ratification, offering a more flexible way to handle foreign relations.

What historical events led to the expansion of presidential power?

Key historical events, such as the Civil War, World Wars, the Great Depression, and the Cold War, significantly contributed to the expansion of presidential power. During these crises, presidents took on more authority to act swiftly and decisively, which led to the lasting concentration of power in the executive branch.

Why do presidents issue signing statements, and how do they impact laws?

Signing statements are issued by the president when signing a bill into law. They often serve to provide commentary on specific provisions of the law. In some cases, presidents use them to interpret or even challenge parts of the law, shaping how it will be implemented. This has become more common in recent administrations.

How does the federal system act as a check on presidential power?

The federal system creates a check on presidential power by granting states their own rights and powers, which operate independently from the federal government. State governments can challenge federal executive actions, especially if they believe those actions infringe upon state rights or exceed federal authority.

What role does Congress play in limiting presidential power?

Congress plays a crucial role in limiting presidential power by controlling the budget (power of the purse), passing laws that can redefine or limit presidential powers, and confirming or rejecting presidential appointments. It also has the authority to impeach the president and other federal officials.

How has the media influenced presidential power over time?

The media has amplified presidential power by enabling the president to communicate directly with the public. Through media appearances and speeches, presidents can influence public opinion, garner support for policies, and exert pressure on other branches of government.

What are some examples of presidents using executive orders for policy implementation?

Examples include President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, President Trump’s travel ban targeting several predominantly Muslim countries, and President Biden’s decision to suspend permits for the Keystone XL pipeline. These actions were used to implement policy changes when legislative action was delayed or opposed.