Question

History: examine and explain the ways that the power of the executive branch has expanded over time and why. make sure to provide specific examples with explanations and analysis.

Answer 1

The Constitution of the United States was written at the Federal Convention in 1787 and adopted in 1788. It divides the federal government into three main branches. The legislative branch, congress, is the main lawmaker. The executive branch is the primary law enforcer. The judicial branch made up of the Court & lower federal courts. The Constitution makes the president the head of the executive branch.The executive branch has changed greatly since adoption of the Constitution. Many changes have been the result of constitutional amendments. An amendment is a change to the Constitution agreed to by at least 3/4th of the states. Many constitutional amendments have affected the powers of the executive branch or the way the president and vice presidents are elected.The Constitution however does not contain a thorough description of the power of executive branch. Instead, the power have grown and changed over te year through presidential interpretation and congressional legislation. Congress can affect presidential power because while the executive branch enforces the laws, congress makes the laws in the frst place.

Every extraordinary use of power by one president expands the availaibility of executive branch power for use by future presidents. In other words, each successive president continues to add to his office's list of extraordinary orders directives, expanding the reach & power of the presidency and granting the executive vast amount of power.

One of the first instances of presidential accumulation was in 1798 with the passage of the Alien & Sedition Act. The act among other things authorized the executive to arrest and detain those who speaks out against the Government and deport foreigners at will. Throghout 19th century, the executive branch continued to grow as presidents who had support of the people were elected.

President Truman's use of military power as a police action during the Korean conflict set a precedent that the executive does not need Legislative support to engage in military action. Before Truman no previous presidents had deployed US forces into a foreign war withou obtaining or at least seeking congressional approval.