Within The Executive Branch Of The U.S. Government ✓ Solved

Within The Executive Branch Of The United States Government The Presi

Within the executive branch of the United States government, the president has powers that can influence public policy. In this assignment, you will be tasked with examining those powers. Provide 1–2 examples of the use of presidential powers used by a president during his term in office. Identify and discuss the public policies that have been at issue when using these presidential powers. Have presidential powers evolved over time, or were they a result of a major event? Explain in detail. Do you believe that the evolution of presidential powers is positive for U.S. democracy, or does it infringe upon the duties of the legislature? Minimum 400 words.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The power vested in the President of the United States is a crucial element of the executive branch, shaping national policy and responding to emergencies. Over time, presidential powers have expanded significantly, enabling presidents to influence public policy more directly than before. This essay explores two prominent examples of presidential powers in action, analyzes the public policies at stake, and discusses the evolution of these powers and their implications for U.S. democracy.

Examples of Presidential Powers

One notable example of presidential power is the use of executive orders. Executive orders are directives issued by the president that manage operations of the federal government. For instance, President Franklin D. Roosevelt used executive orders extensively during the Great Depression and World War II, including Executive Order 9066, which led to the internment of Japanese Americans. This action significantly impacted civil liberties and national security policies, illustrating how executive orders can influence public policy rapidly and decisively.

Another crucial example is the president’s power to veto legislation passed by Congress. This power acts as a check on legislative authority. President Barack Obama’s veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) in 2016 highlighted the use of veto power in shaping foreign policy and judicial matters. Although the veto was overridden, the instance exemplifies how presidential vetoes intervene in policy debates, affecting issues related to national security and international relations.

Evolution of Presidential Powers

Presidential powers have evolved over time, often as a response to major events. The New Deal era marked a significant expansion of executive authority, with Franklin D. Roosevelt establishing the modern presidency’s broad policy-making role during the economic crisis. Similarly, wartime emergencies such as World War II, the Vietnam War, and more recent conflicts have resulted in presidents gaining increased authority, often justified by the need for swift decision-making.

The passage of the War Powers Resolution in 1973 was an attempt by Congress to curb presidential military power after the Vietnam War. However, presidents have frequently viewed such constraints as limiting the flexibility necessary for effective leadership, leading to ongoing tensions about the scope of executive authority. These developments indicate that presidential powers are dynamic rather than static, often shaped by major national crises that necessitate rapid responses.

Impacts on Democracy

The expansion of presidential powers presents a double-edged sword for U.S. democracy. On one hand, it allows presidents to address urgent issues efficiently, reinforcing the executive branch’s leadership role in crisis situations. On the other hand, excessive use or unchecked growth of presidential authority can infringe upon the constitutional duties of Congress and undermine the system of checks and balances integral to American democracy.

In my view, the evolution of presidential powers can be seen as both beneficial and problematic. It is beneficial when it enables swift and decisive action during emergencies, such as natural disasters or national security threats. However, it becomes problematic when used to bypass legislative processes or extend authority beyond constitutional limits, thereby risking the erosion of democratic accountability.

Conclusion

In summary, presidential powers have historically expanded, often in response to major events that demand immediate executive action. While this evolution has sometimes strengthened national leadership, it raises important questions about the balance of power within the federal government. Maintaining a delicate equilibrium is essential to ensure that the presidency remains a force for effective governance without compromising the foundational principles of American democracy.

References

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Stern, M. (2004). The Use of Executive Orders: An Historical Perspective. Stanford Law Review, 56(2), 349-374.

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