Final answer:
Presidents in the decades after Washington expanded the powers of the presidency, through actions such as waging undeclared wars and issuing important policies like the Monroe Doctrine. In the twentieth century, factors such as the interpretation of executive power, expansion of the federal bureaucracy, and advancements in technology contributed to the growth of presidential power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Presidents who served in the decades directly after Washington, such as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe, expanded the powers of the presidency in various ways. John Adams expanded war powers by waging undeclared wars, Thomas Jefferson negotiated the purchase of Louisiana from France, and James Monroe took direct control of foreign policymaking when he issued the Monroe Doctrine. These actions demonstrated their willingness to exercise presidential power and shape the role of the presidency.
Factors that contributed to the growth of presidential power in the twentieth century included the interpretation of executive power specified in Article II of the Constitution, expansion of the federal bureaucracy, development of executive privilege, and the use of unilateral powers such as executive orders and signing statements. Historical events and advancements in technology, such as radio, television, and the Internet, also enhanced the stature of the presidency. Overall, the expansion of presidential powers throughout history has happened through acts of the presidents themselves, interpretations of the Constitution, and the support of the legislative branch.