1. The Presidency in Action

2. The Growth of Presidential Power
Section 1
The Growth of Presidential Power

3. Article II
Many of the powers of the Presidency are written in vague or broad terms.
Throughout history there has been an argument about how much power the president should have.
Weaker Executive – “Carry out the will of Congress”
Stronger Executive – “Independent and co-equal”

4. The Growth of Power No changes have been made to the Constitution.
Presidential power has grown significantly.
Reasons
Single Executive
Active Presidents
Changes and advances in economics and society
Need for action in crisis situation
Passage of federal laws, many of which have been vague.
President is not all powerful
Limited by Constitution, Supreme Court, and Congress

5. The Presidential View
Presidential power often determined by the person who holds the office.
Aggressive executive – More broad and active view of the powers of president.
Passive executive – more narrow and less active view of the powers of the president.