Discuss the increase and decrease of presidential powers define imperial presidency, and give two examples of presidents who increased presidential power what is an advantage in a disadvantage of increasing presidential power?
The increase and decrease of presidential powers have fluctuated over time in the United States depending on the political climate and the actions of the presidents in office. The term "imperial presidency" refers to a presidency with an excessive amount of power, often characterized by a president who exceeds the limits of their authority and acts unilaterally without consulting Congress or the American people.
Two examples of presidents who increased presidential power are:
1. Franklin D. Roosevelt: Roosevelt is often seen as a pioneer in expanding the powers of the presidency. During his time in office, he implemented numerous programs and policies as part of his New Deal to combat the Great Depression. He also extended the powers of the executive branch by issuing executive orders and establishing new government agencies without Congress's approval.
2. Richard Nixon: Nixon's presidency is often associated with the concept of the imperial presidency due to his actions during the Watergate scandal. He attempted to expand the powers of the executive branch by engaging in illegal activities, such as wiretapping and using government agencies to target his political enemies.
An advantage of increasing presidential power is that it can allow for more efficient decision-making and the ability to respond quickly to crises or emergencies. A president with increased powers may be better positioned to take decisive action in times of national security threats or economic downturns. However, a disadvantage of increasing presidential power is the potential for abuse of authority and the erosion of checks and balances that are meant to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of one individual. Overreaching presidential power can lead to violations of civil liberties and undermine the democratic principles upon which the United States is founded.