s of national crisis’ this power would be paramount, is to undermine the intelligence and foresight of the men in question. - Thus, this study assumes that the Framers wrote the constitution ambiguously to afford both, the Executive and Legislative, branches the ability to flex and recoil political and constitutional clout in light of the crisis’ that are presented at any given time. To more simply present my thesis, I would like to explain my stand as an opinion which holds that the powers of the President have not been enhanced or hampered over the last 250 years; instead I am arguing that the power of the Executive is enhanced during times of crisis’, due to the need of a unilaterally decisive Executive. The language found in the constitution, which was purposely written ambiguously, helps precipitate this occurrence. The President’s power is checked again by Congress once the crisis’ has subsided, maintaining a balance between the powers of Congress and the President. This also explains why, as a rule, a great/powerful executive is never proceeded by a more great/powerful president. Historically, the greatest friction between the Congress and the President have been in relation to war, fiscal policy, social policy, and Power. My course work has taken a historical survey of all of America’s Presidents, especially those in office during times of “significant” crisis’, to support my claims. To better elaborate on my thesis, I use Lincoln and the Civil War, FDR and the Great Depression/ WWII, and George Bush and Operation Desert Storm as a means to gel the given claims. - Lincoln and the Civil War - Powers assumed, unilateral decisions, refinement of Jacksonian principles, intimidation of Congress, living legacy - Johnson and the Attack on the President - Repeal of powers, stripping of authority, veto power nullified, impeachment - FDR and the Return of the Jacksonian Executive - Pas...
