Term Papers on Actions And Behavior Of The President

Term Paper Title	Actions And Behavior Of The President
# of Words	1268
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	5.07

Actions and Behavior of the President

     The broad language of the second article of the Constitution left many
questions about the power and authority of the President and the Executive
branch of the Federal Government.  Since George Washington, each Chief Executive
has come to the position with different beliefs on the responsibility and power
of the President.  However the performance of the president is often shaped by
outside factors which control how he must act as a Chief Executive.  The
behavior of presidents come from a number of different criteria.  A president's
personal character, his approach to the position and circumstances during his
term all contribute to presidential behavior.

     Presidents have approached the office from two vague positions.  They
have believed, to varying degrees, that either the president has a strong
leadership position and broad powers to direct the nation in one direction, or
that the president has very limited powers dictated by the Constitution and
should act like a chief administrator for the Federal Government.  These beliefs
were reflected in their behavior while in the White House.  Franklin Roosevelt
believed that the Federal Government had an obligation and interest in bringing
the nation out of the depression.  In order to do this he initiated a number of
agencies and projects to employ people.  In the first "Hundred Days" of
Roosevelt's first term he initiated a number of programs which increased the
size of the Federal Government and the power of the President.  He did all that
he could to see that his proposals were put into place.  This included a failed
court packing scheme to have a more friendly Supreme Court to find his programs
constitutional (Lowi and Ginsberg

230.)  In contrast to this belief in broad presidential authority by Franklin
Roosevelt was Howard Taft.  Taft believed that Presidential authority was very
limited the constitution and had to be specifically granted to the President by
Congress or the Constitution (Lowi and Ginsberg 220.)  Another example of a
passive approach to the presidency to is George Washington.  While he is often
seen as a very influential president, his position as the first President
require that he had to set many standards.  In fact President Washington hoped
that the presidency would not be dominate.  In his inaugural address he argued
for a strong legislature which he received (Lowi and Ginsburg 227.)  However,
personal beliefs on the role of the president have been minor in the behavior of
a President.  When required all Presidents have assumed power to quickly deal
with a situation.

     A President's personality and beliefs are also a factor in determining
his actions as a President.  Barber argues that a person's personality is shaped
by his character, world view, and style all of which are established at
different times in his life.  He argues that a person's character is established
early in life, world view is shaped adolescence, and style in early adulthood.
These broad areas of personality come together to establish a style of
leadership and presidential character.  Barber goes on to establish four
categories of Presidential Character which are; active-positive, active-negative,
passive-positive, passive-negative.  Jefferson was clearly an active-positive
president who was proactive and enjoyed the power which he had.  Barber
explains this by his Enlightenment education and good humor.  Adams would fit
into his category of active-negative presidents who had a strong work ethic (a
result of his Puritan heritage) but a harsh disposition.  Madison can be fit
into the place of passive-positive.  He bowed to political pressure, but enjoyed
his position because of his past in framing and support for the Constitution.
Finally a passive-negative president would be President Washington who was more
or less forced into the office.  He hoped for stability in the new government
and allowed others to take an active role in forming the institutions of the
government.  His mi...

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