Compare the following executive orders of President Franklin D. Roosevelt directing the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and President Eisenhower’s directing the desegregation of public schools in Little Rock, Arkansas. President Roosevelt’s Executive Order No. 9066: “Whereas the successful prosecution of the war requires every possible protection against espionage and against sabotage to national‐defense material, national‐defense premises, and national‐defense utilities... therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States, and Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of War, and the Military Commanders... to prescribe military areas in such places and of such extent as he or the appropriate Military Commander may determine, from which any or all persons may be excluded, and with respect to which, the right of any person to enter, remain in, or leave shall be subject to whatever restrictions the Secretary of War or the appropriate Military Commander may impose in his discretion.” President Eisenhower’s Executive Order No. 3204: “...certain persons in the State of Arkansas, individually and in unlawful assemblages, combinations, and conspiracies, have willfully obstructed the enforcement of orders of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas with respect to matters relating to enrollment and attendance at public schools, particularly at Central High School, located in Little Rock School District, Little Rock, Arkansas... Whereas such obstruction of justice constitutes a denial of the equal protection of the laws secured by the Constitution of the United States and impedes the course of justice under those laws: Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States, under and by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and statutes of the United States, do command all persons engaged in such obstruction of justice to cease and desist therefrom, and to disperse forthwith....” Explain how both presidents were addressing concerns over societal changes. (1 point) Responses In both cases, the presidents are using the powers as leader of the military to accomplish aims for public safety. In both cases, the presidents are using the powers as leader of the military to accomplish aims for public safety. In both cases, the presidents are seeking to protect the rights of all citizens of the United States. In both cases, the presidents are seeking to protect the rights of all citizens of the United States. In both cases, the presidents are working closely with Congress to address a public safety issue that is a result of societal change. In both cases, the presidents are working closely with Congress to address a public safety issue that is a result of societal change. In both cases, the presidents are confronting the dangers to public safety, either sabotage or conspiracies.
In both cases, the presidents are addressing concerns over societal changes by utilizing their authority as commander-in-chief to maintain public safety. President Roosevelt's executive order was issued during World War II, when there was a fear of espionage and sabotage by Japanese Americans. By authorizing the exclusion of individuals from military areas, he aimed to protect national defense premises and utilities. President Eisenhower's executive order, on the other hand, was issued in response to the obstruction of desegregation orders by individuals in Arkansas. This was a societal change that challenged the equal protection of the laws as guaranteed by the Constitution. By commanding those engaged in obstruction to cease and desist, Eisenhower aimed to address the societal changes resulting from the desegregation of public schools. Both presidents were taking action to protect public safety and uphold the rights of American citizens in the face of societal changes.
