Thesis: During the Progressive Era, Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson held conflicting views on the role of the executive branch. While Roosevelt emphasized a more active and interventionist role for the president, Wilson advocated for a more restrained and limited approach.
Focus 1: Theodore Roosevelt's View on the Executive Branch
- Theodore Roosevelt believed in the concept of the "stewardship theory," in which the president is seen as a steward of the people and is responsible for taking action to address societal issues.
- Roosevelt was known for his "Square Deal" policies, which aimed to regulate big business, protect consumers, and conserve natural resources.
- Roosevelt's interventionist approach included trust-busting actions against monopolies and advocating for workers' rights, showcasing his belief in the executive branch's power to bring about change.
Focus 2: Woodrow Wilson's View on the Executive Branch
- Woodrow Wilson believed in a more limited role for the president, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the Constitution and the separation of powers.
- Wilson championed the concept of the "New Freedom," which focused on promoting competition, reducing tariffs, and reforming the banking system through the Federal Reserve Act.
- Wilson's approach to governance was more focused on empowering Congress and the legislative branch to enact laws, rather than the president taking direct action, highlighting his belief in a more decentralized system of government.
The Most Compelling Argument
- While both Roosevelt and Wilson had distinct views on the role of the executive branch, Wilson's argument for a more restrained and constitutionally-bound approach is the most compelling. By upholding the principles of checks and balances and the separation of powers, Wilson's vision for governance ensures that power is not concentrated in the hands of a single individual. Additionally, Wilson's emphasis on empowering Congress and promoting competition aligns with democratic ideals of representation and fairness in decision-making. Overall, Wilson's nuanced and cautious approach to executive power offers a more sustainable and principled framework for governing in a democratic society.
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 your thesis and then 2 main focuses make it look like 10th grade work
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