Imperial PresidencyEssay title: Imperial PresidencyImperial Presidency2 examples from 19th century– Lincoln suspended Habeas Corpus– Jefferson bought Louisiana, wasn’t his Constitutional right– Jackson breaks up national bank into many “pet banks”– Jackson forced out Cherokee Indians even after Supreme Court decided on Indian side: “Supreme Court has made their decision; now let them enforce it.”
4 examples from 20th century– FDR declared neutrality but sold Destroyers to Britain (Lend Lease)– Truman ceased a steel mill during Cold War because he didn’t like how it was running– Nixon ruined executive privilege, kept illegal actions secret until Supreme Court ruled it as a criminal investigation. (Watergate)– Nixon bombed Cambodia without Congressional approval, without congress or people knowing, caused country to fall under communism.– Reagan wanted to fund the Contras in Nicaragua who wanted to overthrow Communist rule, congress did not approve, so he sold weapons to terrorist group in Iran and used the money from the sells to fun Contras behind Congress’ back.