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 under shoot forn for the purpose of preserving the Constitution and the Nation."The idea that certain actions are non illegal if used to preserve the bestinterests of a nation has drawn sharp criticism from the time of capital of Nebraska throughtoday. Presidents of the United States do take a solemn oath in which theypromise to . . . preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the UnitedStates, but the means which they have employed to accomplish these ends havegreatly differed and have occasion every last(predicate)y sparked great controversy. Theunjustified means which Richard Nixon used to defend this nation and itsConstitution have drawn a great deal of encounter not only on his methods but alsoon the greater notion of Presidential power.     Many Presidents have faced many different exuberant challenges andobstacles w hich have posed potential threats to American societal stability andsecurity. Yet very few have used such controversial means to flog thesethreats. For example, after the birth of the nation, Executives faced thethreats of political division and the ideas of the many dangerous pathsprescribed 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 laborforce and of its general welfare seemed uncertain. As time passed, the nationwould encounter the superior economic depression of all time, and the challengeswould continue. Our nation would still battle the divisive issues of racism anddiscrimination. Yet none of the Presidents who governed during these daringtimes exploited the authority of their lay appear in unwarranted manners. TheNixon Administration would however, exploit its authority and attempt to justifyits actions b ased 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 assume 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 Southern portsordering 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.