🎩American Presidency Unit 14 – American Presidency: Legacy and Impact

Key Concepts and Definitions

• The American presidency is the head of state and head of government of the United States
• Executive branch is one of three branches of the federal government, responsible for implementing and enforcing laws
• Commander-in-chief refers to the president's role as the ultimate authority over the U.S. military
• Veto power allows the president to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law
  • Can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress
• Executive orders are directives issued by the president that have the force of law
• Presidential appointments include cabinet members, federal judges, and ambassadors
• Approval rating measures public support for the president at a given time

Historical Context

• The presidency was established by the U.S. Constitution in 1787
• George Washington, the first president (1789-1797), set many precedents that shaped the office
• Initially, presidents were seen as administrators rather than policy makers
• The role of the presidency expanded during times of crisis (Civil War, Great Depression, World Wars)
• The modern presidency emerged in the early 20th century with a more active role in domestic and foreign policy
  • Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909) and Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921) were key figures in this shift
• The Cold War era (1947-1991) saw an increase in presidential power and the growth of the "imperial presidency"

Presidential Powers and Responsibilities

• Enforcing federal laws and overseeing the executive branch agencies
• Nominating cabinet members, federal judges, and other high-level officials
• Conducting foreign policy and negotiating treaties
• Serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces
• Proposing legislation and vetoing bills passed by Congress
• Granting pardons and reprieves for federal crimes
• Delivering the State of the Union address to Congress
• Acting as a national leader and representing the country in international affairs

Notable Presidents and Their Legacies

• Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865) led the country during the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation
• Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945) implemented the New Deal to combat the Great Depression and led the U.S. during World War II
  • Served an unprecedented four terms, leading to the passage of the 22nd Amendment limiting presidents to two terms
• John F. Kennedy (1961-1963) faced the Cuban Missile Crisis and inspired a new generation with his leadership
• Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969) passed landmark civil rights legislation and launched the "Great Society" programs
• Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) implemented supply-side economics, known as "Reaganomics," and played a role in ending the Cold War
• Barack Obama (2009-2017) became the first African American president and passed the Affordable Care Act

Policy Impacts and Landmark Decisions

• The Louisiana Purchase (1803) under Thomas Jefferson doubled the size of the United States
• The Emancipation Proclamation (1863) issued by Abraham Lincoln declared slaves in Confederate states to be free
• The New Deal (1933-1939) under Franklin D. Roosevelt created programs to provide relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression
• The Marshall Plan (1948) under Harry Truman provided aid to rebuild Western Europe after World War II
• The Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965) under Lyndon B. Johnson prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
• The establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (1970) under Richard Nixon to protect human health and the environment
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) under George H.W. Bush prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities

Evolution of the Presidency

• The role of the president has expanded over time, with increased power and responsibilities
• The advent of mass media (radio, television, internet) has changed how presidents communicate with the public
• The growth of the federal bureaucracy has led to a more complex and expansive executive branch
• The president's role in foreign policy has become more significant in an increasingly globalized world
• The use of executive orders and presidential directives has increased, allowing presidents to bypass Congress
• The "imperial presidency" concept suggests that presidents have gained too much power, upsetting the balance of power
• Recent presidents have faced increased partisan polarization and gridlock in Congress

Challenges and Controversies

• Abuse of power and executive overreach (Watergate scandal under Richard Nixon, Iran-Contra affair under Ronald Reagan)
• Impeachment proceedings (Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump)
• Controversial elections and disputed results (1876, 2000, 2020)
• Balancing national security and civil liberties (Alien and Sedition Acts, Japanese internment, Patriot Act)
• Handling economic crises (Great Depression, 2008 financial crisis, COVID-19 pandemic)
• Addressing racial injustice and social unrest (Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter protests)
• Navigating foreign policy challenges and military interventions (Vietnam War, Gulf Wars, Afghanistan)

Modern Relevance and Future Outlook

• The presidency remains a powerful and influential office, shaping domestic and foreign policy
• Presidents must navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world
• The role of social media and instant communication has changed the way presidents interact with the public
• Partisan polarization and political divisions continue to pose challenges for presidents seeking to unite the country
• Presidents will need to address pressing issues such as climate change, income inequality, and racial justice
• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of presidential leadership during times of crisis
• The legacy of each president will continue to be shaped by their actions, decisions, and the long-term impacts of their policies