Question

Which of the following statements are untrue about the history of executive power in the U.S.?

1) President John Adams expanded executive power by asking Congress to declare war.
2) President Jefferson expanded executive power by the acquisition of territory in the Louisiana Purchase.
3) President Lincoln expanded executive power by signing the Emancipation Proclamation.
4) James Monroe expanded executive power by issuing the Monroe Doctrine stating that foreign interference in U.S. politics is an act of aggression.

Answer 1

Out of the four statements, the one about John Adams asking Congress to declare war is untrue. Adams expanded executive power by waging an undeclared Quasi-War with France, contrary to the incorrect statement that he asked Congress to declare war.

Step-by-step explanation:

To address which statements about the history of executive power in the U.S. are untrue, let's look at each claim:

1. President John Adams expanded executive power by asking Congress to declare war. However, this is untrue because John Adams expanded the war powers by waging undeclared war, notably during the Quasi-War with France.
2. President Jefferson did indeed expand executive power through the acquisition of territory with the Louisiana Purchase. This statement is true.
3. President Lincoln did expand executive authority by issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, which is another true statement.
4. James Monroe expanded executive power by issuing the Monroe Doctrine, which warned against foreign interference in U.S. politics. This statement is also true.

Therefore, out of the four options provided, the first statement about President John Adams is untrue. Adams did not ask Congress to declare war; he instead engaged in undeclared war with France during his presidency.