Nicole Nowlin

Mrs.Spender
U.S. History ll B
5/10/24
Progressive Era Argument Essay
During the Progressive Era, Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson had differing views on the role of the executive branch. Roosevelt believed in a more active and interventionist executive branch, utilizing the power of the presidency to address social and economic issues. On the other hand, Wilson advocated for a more limited role of the executive branch, emphasizing the importance of a strict interpretation of the Constitution and the separation of powers. Despite their differences, both presidents recognized the need for government intervention to regulate big business and protect workers' rights. Ultimately, Roosevelt's argument about the role of the executive branch is the most compelling, as his progressive policies and reforms had a lasting impact on American society and paved the way for future presidents to expand the powers of the presidency in addressing social and economic issues.
Roosevelt's use of executive power to address social and economic issues was a hallmark of his presidency. He believed in the concept of a "stewardship presidency," where the president had the responsibility to use all the powers of his office to improve the welfare of the American people. Roosevelt used his executive authority to push through legislation such as the Pure Food and Drug Act, the Meat Inspection Act, and the establishment of national parks and forests. “In addition to reforming big business, Roosevelt helped usher in new consumer protection legislation, like the Pure Food and Drug Act.” By taking bold and decisive action, Roosevelt addressed the growing social and economic inequalities of the time while also expanding the power and scope of the executive branch.
On the other hand, Wilson had a different approach to executive power and believed in a more limited role for the president. Wilson adhered to a strict interpretation of the Constitution and believed in the separation of powers between the branches of government. He was cautious in his use of executive authority and preferred to work closely with Congress to achieve his policy goals. Wilson's belief in a more restrained executive branch led him to prioritize issues such as tariff reform, banking regulation, and antitrust laws through legislation rather than through executive actions. Overall, Wilson's presidency demonstrated a more cautious and restrained approach to executive power compared to Roosevelt's more proactive and assertive use of the office.”With the Progressive votes split between Taft and Roosevelt, Democratic presidential candidate Woodrow Wilson had no problem securing the votes needed to become president.”
In conclusion, Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson had differing views on the role of the executive branch during the Progressive Era. While Roosevelt believed in a more active and interventionist role for the president, Wilson favored a more limited and restrained approach to executive power. Despite their differences, both presidents recognized the need for government intervention to address social and economic issues and regulate big business. In the end, Roosevelt's argument for a more involved and assertive executive branch is the most compelling, as his progressive policies and reforms had a lasting impact on American society and paved the way for future presidents to expand the powers of the presidency in addressing social and economic issues. Both presidents had a crucial part in the Progressive Era and helped establish most of what we have now and the roles that the Executive Branch take on today.

CHECK MY WORK LINK:

MY SOURCES:
UNIT 4
The Progressive Era
LESSON 4
The Progressive Presidents
Page 2
Progressives in the White House” Flipped Video from the Realize™ website.
UNIT 4
The Progressive Era
LESSON 4
The Progressive Presidents
Page 3

ADD A OUTLINE
Check focus of your argument- and clarity of your statements... I am not sure you fully understand this content, room for more specific details- Revision -Content should align with thesis argument* Information from a secondary source should be paraphrased or the speaker of a quote and the document should be fully introduced Primary Sources are used and formatted correctly- missing parenthetical citations, document and speaker should be fully introduced before quoting followed by an analysis- Revision-Did not use primary sources from the primary source library

1 answer

Outline:

I. Introduction
A. Explanation of the Progressive Era
B. Thesis statement comparing the views of Roosevelt and Wilson on the role of the executive branch

II. Theodore Roosevelt's View
A. Stewardship presidency concept
B. Use of executive power to address social and economic issues
C. Impact of Roosevelt's progressive policies and reforms

III. Woodrow Wilson's View
A. Strict interpretation of the Constitution
B. Limited role of the executive branch
C. Wilson's policy priorities and approach to executive power

IV. Comparison and Analysis
A. Contrasting views on the role of the executive branch
B. Recognition of the need for government intervention
C. Argument for Roosevelt's more proactive and assertive approach

V. Conclusion
A. Summary of Roosevelt and Wilson's differing views
B. Assertion of Roosevelt's argument as the most compelling
C. Reflection on the lasting impact of their policies on American society