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why might congress have taken exception to the actions of presidents hoover, coolidge, and franklin roosevelt? these presidents were using their powers to sway public opinion in their favor. these presidents were employing executive orders to put legislative power in presidential hands. these presidents were issuing executive orders to prevent congress from drafting bills on the same issues. these presidents were using executive orders to interfere with individual rights.

User Mawburn
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Final answer:

Congress might have been concerned with the actions of Presidents Hoover, Coolidge, and Roosevelt due to their use of executive orders to claim legislative power, which could lead to an imbalance of power and potential overreach. This was especially true for FDR, who expanded executive order use during the Great Depression and World War II.

Step-by-step explanation:

Congress's Concerns with Presidential Actions:

Throughout their presidencies, Hoover, Coolidge, and Franklin D. Roosevelt took actions that concerned Congress. These presidents were known for employing executive orders to assert legislative power, which some perceived as an overreach of presidential authority. The actions of President Franklin D. Roosevelt are particularly noteworthy, as he significantly expanded the use of executive orders during the Great Depression to implement economic reforms and later during World War II. This expansion of power was met with both support for the immediate relief it provided as well as concern over the potential for abuse and the shift in power from Congress to the executive branch.

Roosevelt's assertive stance and willingness to use executive orders without prior consultation with Congress led to fears that he was becoming too powerful. Critics worried that this imbalance could lead to unintended consequences and potentially infringe on individual rights. Moreover, the use of executive orders during times of national security and war was especially prominent, as presidents justified these orders based on their war powers. Congress was wary of such justifications, as they could set precedents for continued presidential aggression in domestic and foreign matters.

Despite these concerns, many in Congress and the public, frustrated by economic hardships and the slow pace of recovery, were willing to allow for expansive presidential actions. Post-1937, there was a growing dissent, especially when Roosevelt attempted to reorganize the Supreme Court. Even some Democrats opposed him, prompting a reevaluation of the balance of power. However, the potential for and instances of overreach remained a contentious issue in American politics, demonstrating the delicate balance between presidential leadership and congressional authority.

User Lincolnge
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