Evolution of Presidential Power

I. Limited presidential power in the early republicA. Worries of the Founders

I. Limited presidential power in the early republicA. Worries of the FoundersB. Examples of limited powers

Examples of limited powers:• Early on, the President and national

government had little to do.• There was little interaction between

the President and Congress. The President generally didn't initiate legislation.

• The veto was almost never used.• The legislature was, by far, the

strongest branch of government.

*Up until FDR's New Deal in the 1930s the President was just a negative force, providing resistance to Congress, not a source of initiative and leadership.

II. Sources of expansion of presidential power:

A. America's involvement in foreign affairs increased.

II. Sources of expansion of presidential power:

A. America's involvement in foreign affairs increased.B. The President's ability to shape public opinion increased.

II. Sources of expansion of presidential power:

A. America's involvement in foreign affairs increased.B. The President's ability to shape public opinion increased.C. The position as head of the executive branch took on more meaning as the size of the national government increased.

D. Presidents began to claim "inherent powers."

III. Growth of the Executive Branch

A. Cabinet

III. Growth of the Executive Branch

A. CabinetB. White House Staff

III. Growth of the Executive Branch

A. CabinetB. White House StaffC. Executive Office of the President