how did lincoln expand the powers of the presidency? Could someone give me general ideas as to how?
Check this article.
http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/jala/26.2/tap.html
http://blog.oregonlive.com/books/2008/03/book_review_president_lincoln.html
http://www.historycommons.org/entity.jsp?entity=abraham_lincoln
Both of these articles/reviews should give you some ideas to pursue.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, expanded the powers of the presidency in several ways. Here are some general ideas on how he accomplished this:
1. War Powers: Lincoln significantly expanded the president's authority during times of war. As the Civil War broke out in 1861, he asserted broad executive powers to suspend habeas corpus (the right to a fair trial) and imposed martial law in certain areas. He also authorized military tribunals to try civilians accused of treason and other crimes against the Union.
2. Emancipation Proclamation: In 1862, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared all slaves in Confederate territory to be "forever free." This executive order not only aimed to undermine the Confederate war effort but also fundamentally transformed the goals of the Civil War. By using his presidential authority to change the legal status of millions of enslaved people, Lincoln wielded significant power and altered the course of American history.
3. Executive Orders: Lincoln made frequent use of executive orders to bypass legislative obstacles and push forward his policy agenda. For instance, he implemented measures to raise funds for the war effort, directed military strategy, and established the first federal income tax, all through executive actions. These orders allowed him to act swiftly and decisively, without the need for lengthy congressional debates and approvals.
4. Suspension of Civil Liberties: In order to preserve the Union, Lincoln temporarily suspended certain civil liberties, particularly during the Civil War. As mentioned earlier, he suspended habeas corpus, allowing the arrest and detention of individuals without trial. Critics argue that this expansion of the president's powers violated the Constitution, but Lincoln justified these actions as necessary to ensure the survival of the nation.
These are just a few examples of how Abraham Lincoln expanded the powers of the presidency. It's worth noting that some of these actions were highly controversial and continue to be subjects of debate among historians and scholars. For more detailed information, I recommend exploring books, articles, or academic resources that delve into Lincoln's presidency and the impact of his decisions.