Question

Examine examples of presidents who tried to expand their power and failed (William Taft) and ones who tried and succeeded (FDR).

Use the Internet or other resources to research at least one example from Taft and one example from FDR of how they used their office to expand the limits of presidential power.

Answer 1

During his tenure, Taft signed the Mann-Elkins Act of 1910 and initiated antitrust suits, but lacked political negotiating skills and failed to be reelected. In contrast, FDR expanded presidential power through the use of executive orders to address the Great Depression and World War II.

Step-by-step explanation:

One example of a president who tried and failed to expand his power is William Taft.

During his tenure, Taft signed the Mann-Elkins Act of 1910, which extended the authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission over telephones and telegraphs. He also initiated antitrust suits against big businesses. However, unlike his predecessor Theodore Roosevelt, Taft lacked political negotiating skills and a focus on the public good. This led to his estrangement from Roosevelt and ultimately his failure to be reelected.

On the other hand, Franklin D. Roosevelt successfully expanded the limits of presidential power.

During the Great Depression and World War II, FDR used executive orders to an unprecedented level. He implemented policies to address the economic crisis and mobilize the nation for war. His popularity and ability to be elected four times allowed him to overshadow Congress. Although the Twenty-Second Amendment was later proposed to limit presidents to two terms, it did not hinder the continued expansion of presidential power.