Theories of presidential power

imperial presidency

a presidency characterised by the misuse of presidential powers, especially in excessive secrecy

‘the creation of foreign policy’

Began with FDR in pearl harbour

Imperial presidency examples

Truman sent troops to south Korea without authorisation in 1950

President Kennedy launched the disastrous bay of pigs attack in 1961 without congressional authorisation

1964 Johnson was given a blank check by congress to solve the problems of Vietnam

imperriled presidency

the case act of 1972 forced presidents to inform congress of all executive agreements made with foreign states

the war powers act 1973

Case Act of 1972

forced presidents to inform congress of all executive agreements in foreign nations

War powers act 1973

the president cannot commit the US abroad in an armed conflict without the consent of congress

Examples of imperilled presidency

Ford and carter were most affected

1975 ford could do nothing to prevent the north Vietnamese to take over south Vietnamese capital

post-imperial presidency

Reagan originated it with a landslide re election and restoring america’s image abroad + the economy boomed

Examples of post imperial presidency

Bush during 9/11 had skyrocketing approval ratings allowing him to do almost anything he pleased until his screw up in Iraq