How Did The Role Of The President Change

The role of the president has certainly changed since the United States was founded. Presidents before the civil war had relatively few powers because the responsibilities of the national government were quite limited. Congress had more power over the executive branch. Presidents were playing second fiddle to them at the time. Presidents Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Andrew Lincoln were exceptions. Instead of looking up to congress, they strengthened the power of the presidency.

Andrew Jackson made exceptional use of the presidential veto, vetoing more bills than the last 6 presidents. He also asserted national power by facing down South Carolina's nullification of a federal tariff law. President Abraham Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus as a president. He expanded the size of the U.S army, ordered blockades of southern ports, and spent money for purposes all without the consent of congress. Theodore Roosevelt worked closely with congress, sending it messages defining its legislative power. Woodrow Wilson helped to formulate bills that congress considered, and World War 1 gave him the opportunity to be the leading role in international affairs …show more content…
The giant corporations that developed in the twentieth century, influenced the federal government to grow in size and power, along with it the presidential power expanded as well. Firms were expanding and could not do business between states when each state had its own commercial laws. They sought after federal law that applied nationally and would be enforced by the executive branch. The federal government was growing along corporate capitalism in America. The U.S had to extend diplomatic and military power to ensure open markets for goods and investment. The president had to take charge of the federal government’s new economic, social, and global