Richard Nixon And The Notion Of Presidential Power :: essays research papers

Richard Nixon and the Notion of Presidential Power"Actions which otherwise would be unconstitutional, could become lawfulif undertaken for the purpose of preserving the makeup and the Nation."The idea that certain actions are not illegal if used to preserve the bestinterests of a farming has skeletal sharp criticism from the time of capital of Nebraska throughtoday. Presidents of the unify States do take a solemn oath in which they prognosticate to . . . preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the UnitedStates, but the means which they have employ to accomplish these ends havegreatly differed and have occasionally sparked great controversy. The idle means which Richard Nixon used to defend this nation and itsConstitution have drawn a great deal of attack not only on his methods but alsoon the greater notion of Presidential power.      more Presidents have faced many different tumultuous challenges andobstacles which have represent potent ial threats to American societal stability andsecurity. Yet very some have used such(prenominal) controversial means to overcome thesethreats. For example, afterward the birth of the nation, decision makers faced thethreats of political division and the ideas of the many dangerous paths plus for the Union. As the debate over slavery escalated, the future ofthe states and of the Union seemed uncertain. Furthermore, as the nation movedrapidly through the Industrial Revolution, the future of the nations labourforce and of its general welfare seemed uncertain. As time passed, the nationwould image the grea examination economic depression of all time, and the challengeswould continue. Our nation would still meshing the divisive issues of racism anddiscrimination. Yet none of the Presidents who governed during these daringtimes used the ascendancy of their position in unwarranted manners. TheNixon Administration would however, exploit its authority and attempt to justifyits actions based on the similar actions of Abraham Lincoln.     During the Civil War, this nations greatest test of will and spirit,President Lincoln felt it incumbent upon the President to seize on certainauthority and responsibility not specifically granted to the Executive by theConstitution. His rationale stemmed from his desire and oath to preserve theConstitution and the Union as a whole. On the eve of the Civil War, Lincoln,fearing a strong Confederate threat, initiated a blockade of all south-centralern ports say no vessels in or out of the South. Clearly an act of war, Lincolnfaced immediate challenge from Congress and Confederate leaders. His reasoning,though, for carrying out such a dangerous and controversial act was his beliefthat it would tame the South and prevent massive bloodshed in the future.