Presidential Powers: Increase and Decrease
Presidential powers can grow or shrink over time. Sometimes, presidents get more power, especially during crises like wars or economic problems. At other times, Congress or the public may want to limit that power.
Imperial Presidency
The term "Imperial Presidency" refers to a situation where the president acts like a king and takes more power than allowed. This can happen when a president ignores rules or doesn't check with Congress.
Examples of Presidents Who Increased Power:
- Franklin D. Roosevelt: He expanded government power greatly during the Great Depression with programs like the New Deal.
- Richard Nixon: He increased presidential power during the Vietnam War and made decisions that led to the Watergate scandal.
Advantage of Increased Presidential Power:
- Quick Decisions: Sometimes, having more power means a president can act fast, like in emergencies. This can help the country respond better to problems.
Disadvantage of Increased Presidential Power:
- Less Checks and Balances: When a president has too much power, it can break the system that keeps everyone in government fair and balanced. This can lead to unfair actions or even corruption.