Final answer:
The passages provided cover the use of executive orders and presidential proclamations by U.S. Presidents, focusing on the impacts of President Obama's policies and comparing them to other administrations. They include historical examples of presidential actions, emphasizing the authority and responsibilities of the presidency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject matter provided focuses on various actions and decisions made by Presidents in the United States, highlighting the use of executive orders and presidential proclamations as tools to implement public policy. It discusses President Obama's domestic policies, how they compared to those of President George W. Bush, and the impact of such policies on U.S. domestic and foreign affairs.
For instance, the excerpt mentions how President Obama signed an executive order to bolster veteran recruitment and hiring, and it references historical contexts such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt's response to Pearl Harbor. Additionally, it touches upon the concept of the presidential oath and the constitutional powers vested in a President, like the ability to issue pardons as in the case with President Ford pardoning Richard Nixon.
Mentioning President Obama's campaign promises and the contrasts between his and President Bush's policies provides insight into the evolution of U.S. governance over different administrations. Key historic executive orders and proclamations from past Presidents, such as FDR's wartime actions and Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, are also highlighted to show the range of presidential authority. The excerpts invite examination of the changing political landscape, using Obama's presidential terms as reference points for discussing challenges and achievements in the American presidency.