Question

Why might congress and the people be more willing to allow a president to expand his powers during a time of national emergency? cite two instances when this has occurred?

Answer 1

Congress and the public may allow presidents to expand their powers during national emergencies for quick response and leadership. Instances include Abraham Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus during the Civil War and George W. Bush's broad security measures post-9/11.

Step-by-step explanation:

During times of national emergency, Congress and the people may be more willing to allow a president to expand his powers because of the urgent need for decisive action and leadership to address the crisis. This can lead to increased support for the president and a temporary suspension of normal checks and balances.

Instances of Expanded Presidential Powers

Lincoln's Suspension of Habeas Corpus: During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln asserted the power to suspend habeas corpus, which is the right of a person to be brought before a judge. This was done to prevent rebellion and maintain public safety.

George W. Bush and the War on Terrorism: Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, President Bush's administration argued that he had the authority to take any necessary measures to protect the American people, leading to actions like the Patriot Act.

Emergency Powers are often justified during national crises in order to ensure national security and maintain order. Presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression and World War II have also used these situations to strengthen the presidency's role. Congressional attempts to regulate these powers, like the War Powers Resolution, have often clarified rather than constrained presidential authority.

Answer 2

The congress and the people allow a president to expand his power during a time of national emergency to keep the domestic peace, to wage war internationally and to stabilize the economy. The two examples are when president Abraham Lincoln receive retroactive permission to order the army increased from 22,000 to 75,000 to maintain domestic peace against internal rebellion and the other one is when the congress permitted Roosevelt to make a number of new agencies and organizations that issued principles and policies without regard to congressional mandates to stabilize the economy.