Thesis 1: During the Progressive Era, both Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson had complex views on the role of the executive branch, with Roosevelt emphasizing a more active and interventionist approach while Wilson favored a more restrained and constitutional approach.
Thesis 2: While both Roosevelt and Wilson had compelling arguments about the role of the executive branch, Roosevelt's argument for a more active executive branch is ultimately more compelling due to his belief in the president's duty to serve as a steward of the people's interests and address the social and economic challenges of the time.
During the Progressive Era, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson approached the role of the executive branch in different ways. Roosevelt believed in a more active and interventionist role for the president, viewing the executive branch as a platform for addressing social and economic inequalities, regulating big business, and promoting conservation efforts. His Square Deal policy sought to strike a balance between the interests of labor, capital, and the public, emphasizing the president's duty to serve as a steward of the people's interests. In contrast, Wilson took a more restrained and constitutional approach, advocating for a limited role for the executive branch and emphasizing the separation of powers between branches of government. While Wilson also pushed for progressive reforms such as the creation of the Federal Reserve and the Federal Trade Commission, he believed in the importance of adhering to constitutional principles.
Roosevelt's argument for a more active executive branch is ultimately more compelling due to his belief in the president's duty to address the pressing social and economic challenges of the time. As the leader of the nation, Roosevelt saw it as his responsibility to intervene in the interests of the public good, even if it meant challenging the status quo and powerful interests. His willingness to take bold and decisive action, such as trust-busting and conservation efforts, demonstrated his commitment to serving as a steward of the people's interests and promoting a more just and equitable society. While Wilson's emphasis on adhering to constitutional principles and limited government is admirable, Roosevelt's proactive and interventionist approach better aligns with the demands of the Progressive Era and the need for strong executive leadership in addressing the complex problems facing the nation.
Using the primary sources provided, class assigned readings and Live Lesson sessions, address the following prompt: Describe how two of the three Progressive Era Presidents viewed the role of the executive branch and be sure to reflect on the complexity of each president's views. Which president’s argument about the role of the executive branch is the most compelling? WRITE TWO THESIS
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