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Increase Presidential Power

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Presidential power has been an important topic of consideration and debate since the founding of the nation. Many presidents have tested the limits of the Constitutional provisions regarding the authorities of the executive branch, and in response, both the judicial and legislative branches have imposed the proper checks and balances via court rulings and newly legislated limitations. In modern American politics, many question the Constitutional legitimacy of various executive actions taken by the most recent presidents. However, the expansion of presidential power is certainly not unique to Presidents Bush or Obama. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, presidents have gradually increased their powers in response to wars, terrorism, and congressional gridlock, among other things. Furthermore, the broad definition of the executive branch’s duties found in the second article of the Constitution has led to contradicting interpretations about the proper applications of the executive powers. As …show more content…
The main concern of those opposed to increasing presidential powers is that the essential separation of powers is being overlooked and that each presidential increase in power sets a dangerous precedent for future presidents. Certainly, the system of checks and balances is essential to the foundation of the United States government, and this system is what allows the president’s actions to be checked and approved or sometimes voided. The very fact that citizens, the Judicial and Legislative Branches and are able to question the action of the president is evidence that the system of Checks and Balances remains in effect. As time goes on, the role of the president will continue to be defined and redefined in each unique situation, as presidents continue to test constitutional limits in their efforts to lead the

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