The Modern Presidency:an Evolution

The Modern Presidency:

An Evolution

The presidency of the United Sates of America has been an evolving office since the term of our first president, George Washington. This evolution has occurred because of the changing times and the evolution of society itself, but also because of the actions of the men who have become president. Starting in the 20th century, most have referred to the presidency as the modern presidency due to changes in both a president's power and the way that the office itself is viewed. As the office of the president has evolved so has who can become president evolved. Yet, even today there are certain individuals who because of their gender or race have yet to hold the office of the presidency. The men that have been president in our modern era have all had faults and greatness, some having more of one than of the other. The modern presidency is an office that many aspire to, but that few hold. The evolution of the office of the presidency has been one from that of a traditional role to that of a modern role that is forever evolving.

The growth of the modern presidency actually began with the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. He was the first president who saw that the office of the presidency was a "bully pulpit" by which when he did not get his way with Congress he could take his case to the people (Gelderman, 1997). This was one of the first times that a president saw that his role could be active and that he was able to take charge of the power at his disposal.

The modern presidency reached its initial fulfillment during the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt. Under the stimulus of the New Deal, World War II, and the entrepreneurial leadership of Franklin Roosevelt, there was a huge expans...

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