Development and Expansion of Presidential PowerWhat characteristics define each era of

development/expansion?What are inherent powers?

How did these changes lead to an expansion of authority?

Limits to Authority

• JFK: “greater limitations upon our ability to bring about a favorable result than I had imagined.”

• Formal powers enumerated in Article II and USSC interpretations

• Power wielded based on events of the time, advice, and leadership– Crises usually trigger expansion of power

1789-1809

• Washington: major expansion of government and establishment of federal supremacy– Whiskey Rebellion 1794– Cabinet system – inherent powers (powers exist because of the

position—i.e., diplomatic relations)

• Adams: political party divisions (F v AF)• Jefferson: expansion of power in legislative

process– Louisiana Purchase 1803

1810-1933

• Balance of power heavy in Congress—president seen as a distant figure

• Jackson (1828) first president not Virginian or an Adams– launches Jacksonian democracy, the “era of

the common man” that embodied western, frontier, egalitarian views

– Image and personal power to develop party loyalties, end “nullification crisis” in SC

• Lincoln (1860)—assumes emergency powers never before used in order for union to survive– Suspended writ of habeus corpus, which

would allow jailing of those against Union (2:28)

– Expanded US Army above Congress’ ceiling– Orders blockade of southern ports, creating a

war without Congressional approval– Claimed he could circumvent Constitution in

time of war/national crisis: “faithful execution of the law”

1933: Growth of Modern Presidency

• Presidential decision-making become increasingly important (less time-consuming than Congress)

• FDR presidency starts with creation of New Deal legislation– Significantly expands role of federal government in

daily life of the people– Creation of new federal agencies/expand role of

bureaucracy– Use of technology a daily part of executive’s role