Leading Forward: The Benefit of Extending Presidential Terms

Introduction

Democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires the active participation of every citizen in the grand symphony of our American election process.

Barbara Jordan

Leading Through Time

The History of Presidential Tenures in the United States

The history of presidential tenures in the United States has evolved over time, shaped by the country's political, social, and constitutional developments. However, the presidency has transformed from its early beginnings into the complex and influential executive office it is today.

Founding Era (1789-1800):

The first presidency was established under George Washington, who set many precedents for the office. As the President and leader of the executive branch, George Washington bore the responsibility of upholding the newly established government outlined in the Constitution. Both Washington and the inaugural session of the First Federal Congress swiftly recognized the absence of unequivocal solutions to various challenges that lay ahead.

The actions undertaken by Washington and the first federal congress in addressing the nation's predicaments during his presidential tenure set a precedent. It became a model to be emulated for handling analogous circumstances in the future. Over the following paragraphs, we will examine a selection of significant issues that confronted Washington and his cabinet during his presidency.

Party Politics and Expansion (1801-1840s):

The early 19th century saw the rise of political parties, with Thomas Jefferson's election in 1800 marking the first transfer of power between parties. His influence on the presidency was as profound as George Washington's. He introduced significant changes to the office, veering away from Washington's solemn formality to the extent of welcoming foreign diplomats in worn slippers along with worn-out jackets. Jefferson made substantial cuts to the military and naval forces, lessened the national debt, and terminated what he perceived as monarchical practices.

Jacksonian Democracy and Manifest Destiny (1830s-1850s):

Andrew Jackson served as president from 1829 to 1837. His influence on American politics continued long after he left office. The period spanning 1824 to 1840 has been known as the Age of Jacksonian Democracy and the Era of the Common Man, underscoring the enduring and pervasive influence of Jackson's ideals on the political landscape.

The presidency of Andrew Jackson exemplified the growth of democratic participation and the expansion of presidential power. The doctrine of Manifest Destiny drove territorial expansion and conflicts over issues like the extension of slavery. However, the rise of Jacksonian democracy found support in the prevailing sense of equality within the burgeoning communities of the South and West. Additionally, its momentum was fueled by the expansion of voting rights in eastern states, which now encompassed men without property. In the early years of the United States, suffrage had been limited primarily to male property owners in numerous regions.

Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877):

Abraham Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War marked a significant test of presidential power. The war and its aftermath led to debates over the balance of authority between the federal government and the states. His guiding rule was: My policy is to have no policy. The administration under Lincoln's guidance transcended its role of Civil War management, leaving an enduring impact that resonated through various policies. The severity of the war's aftereffects persisted, influencing the course of numerous government efforts. Without a doubt, Lincoln had a deep commitment to the cause of individual freedom that was both sincere and persistent.

Industrialization and Progressive Era (1880s-1910s):

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought about significant changes in the role of the presidency. Teddy Roosevelt's presidency marked the beginning of the modern presidency, characterized by a more active role in domestic and foreign affairs. According to him, the President should serve as a steward of the people and take whatever steps are required for the common welfare unless prohibited by the law or the Constitution.

I did not usurp power, he claimed, but I did greatly broaden the use of executive power.

As the U.S. president, Roosevelt made an effort to ensure that the government improved the quality of life for Americans. His Square Deal domestic program, which introduced welfare legislation and government supervision of industry, represented the progressive urge to change the American workplace. He commonly quotes: Speak softly and carry a big stick. Roosevelt greatly strengthened the power of the executive branch, making him the first modern U.S. president. He was also a very well-liked president; in fact, his popularity persisted long after he left office in 1909, allowing him to mount a strong bid for the post in 1912.

World Wars and Cold War (1920s-1980s):

The 20th century witnessed the U.S. emerge as a global superpower. Presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Ronald Reagan navigated through World Wars, the Great Depression, and the Cold War, significantly expanding the executive branch's influence in international affairs.

Modern Era and Challenges (1990s-Present):

The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen the presidency grapple with complex issues like terrorism, globalization, technological advancement, and domestic policy challenges. The role of the presidency has become even more influential in shaping both domestic and international policies.

The Development of the United States Presidential System

The development of the United States presidential system of governance was a gradual process influenced by historical events and philosophical ideas over governmental structure. However, the journey towards a presidential ruling system involved several significant twists and turns over time. Here's an overview of the key steps and milestones:

Colonial Roots and Revolutionary Era (1600s-1776):

The early American colonies were governed by British colonial administrations. However, the concept of representative government began to take shape, leading to colonial legislatures and the practice of self-governance. Famous philosophers like John Locke and Montesquieu influenced American political thought, emphasizing the importance of limited government and separation of powers.

Declaration of Independence and State Constitutions (1776-1787):

The American Revolution resulted in the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the formation of individual state governments. Many states adopted written constitutions that reflected the principles of republicanism and the division of powers. These early state constitutions laid the groundwork for the future federal system.

The American Ruling System vs. Prime Ministerial Power: Contrasting Governance Paradigms

Across the globe, numerous nations are under the guidance of either a prime minister or a president. While these roles wield comparable authority, their respective functions within the governance diverge significantly. In the spectrum of global governance, the American ruling system and prime ministerial power stand as distinct models, each characterized by unique dynamics of authority and decision-making. While the United States embraces a presidential system, other countries with prime ministers at the helm exhibit a distinct framework that grants the head of government greater powers. Here, we delve into the nuances that set these two governance paradigms apart:

Presidential System of the United States:

In the Presidential system, the head of the government assumes the role of the chief executive, directly elected by the people. Unlike the parliamentary system, the executive branch in this framework remains distinct and is not accountable to the legislature. This separation extends to all governmental branches, the legislature, executive, and judiciary branches, which function autonomously within the constitutional framework. At the helm of the presidential system stands the President, entrusted with the responsibility of law enforcement. The genesis of this system lies in the United States, where it has been exemplified to precision. Its foundation rests on the repudiation of legislative supremacy, tailored for nations characterized by a full republic rather than a constitutional monarchy. Elections are conducted at shorter intervals under the Presidential model, recurring every two years for the legislature and every four years for the President.

Separation of Powers:

The American system clears the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The president, to be the head of state and government, operates independently of the legislature and exercises executive authority within prescribed constitutional limits.

Direct Executive Mandate:

The president is elected directly by the citizens, imbuing them with a direct mandate from the electorate. This distinct electoral process reinforces the president's autonomy in implementing policies and initiatives.

Fixed Tenure:

The president's tenure is fixed and is not contingent upon the confidence of the legislative body. This stability can foster long-term policy planning and execution.

Prime Ministerial Systems in Other Countries:

Prime ministerial systems of government are prevalent in various countries around the world. Some examples of countries with prime ministerial systems include:

United Kingdom

Canada

Australia

India

Japan

France

These countries, among others, operate with a prime minister as the head of government, who leads the executive branch and is accountable to the legislative body. The specific roles, powers, and responsibilities of the prime minister vary from one country to another, but the common feature is the fusion of executive and legislative functions within the prime ministerial system.

Fusion of Powers:

In prime ministerial systems, the head of government emerges from the legislature, often as the leader of the majority party. This fusion of powers blurs the lines between the executive and legislative branches.

Parliamentary Confidence:

Prime ministers are subject to parliamentary confidence. Their tenure relies on maintaining the support of the majority in the legislature. If confidence is lost, the government may fall, necessitating new elections or government formation.

Flexible Tenure:

Prime ministers' tenures are linked to their ability to retain parliamentary support. This can lead to more frequent changes in leadership, impacting the continuity of policies.

Collective Decision-Making:

Decision-making in prime ministerial systems is more collective, involving the cabinet and parliamentary majority. Policies are crafted through collaboration with the legislature.

Greater Legislative Influence:

Prime ministers have the ability to dissolve the legislature and call for early elections. It clearly provides a mechanism to seek a renewed mandate or resolve political impasses.

Who is more powerful: the Prime Minister or the President?

Determining the relative power between a Prime Minister and a President hinges on the type of government structure and its operational framework.

In Canada, a parliamentary system prevails, with the Prime Minister concurrently serving as the head of government. Within this context, the Prime Minister's role encompasses leadership of the Cabinet of Ministers, holding specific ministerial portfolios, as exemplified by Justin Trudeau's tenure as both Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Youth. While the Prime Minister wields authority in appointing and dismissing cabinet members, facilitating effective governance. In contrast, the United States operates under a presidential system where the President, elected by the public, assumes the dual role of head of Government and State. The President possesses the prerogative to nominate heads of federal agencies constituting the cabinet. However, this appointment process necessitates Senate approval, introducing an additional layer of checks and balances.

The United States employs a system of checks and balances that constrains the powers of the three branches of Government. Notably, the Senate exercises oversight over the Executive branch, while the President retains veto power to counterbalance the authority of Congress. Broadly, the Prime Minister tends to hold more pronounced powers on paper, owing to the scope of responsibilities and authority vested in the position. Nevertheless, a notable exception arises in the United States, reflecting the nation's influential stature and affluence. Consequently, the President of the United States objectively commands the most potent authority, a testament to the exceptional influence conferred by the nation's dynamics and the intricate balance of power within its governance structure.

The Halls of Power: The U.S. Presidential System

The United States operates under a federal presidential system, which is, of course, characterized by the separation of powers among three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

In this system, each branch has distinct powers and responsibilities, and they provide checks and balances on each other to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are key components of the legislative branch.

1. The Senate:

The Senate is one of the two chambers of the U.S. Congress. It is designed to represent the interests of the states equally, regardless of population. Each state is represented by two Senators, giving a total of 100 Senators. The key features of the Senate include:

Term Length:

Senators serve six-year terms, and approximately one-third of the Senate faces re-election every two years, ensuring continuity and stability.

Powers:

The Senate has several significant powers, including confirming presidential appointments to key positions (e.g., federal judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors), ratifying international treaties negotiated by the President, and serving as the jury in impeachment trials.

Impeachment Trials:

The Senate holds impeachment trials for federal officials who have been impeached by the House of Representatives. A two-thirds majority vote is required to convict and remove an official from office.

2. The House of Representatives (Congress):

The House of Representatives is the other chamber of the U.S. Congress. It is designed to represent the interests of the people based on their state's population. There are a total of 435 Representatives, with each state having several Representatives proportional to its population.

Term Length:

Members of the House, known as Congressmen or Congresswomen, serve two-year terms. This shorter term allows for more elections and closer representation of public opinion.

Powers:

The House has the power to initiate revenue-related bills (such as tax legislation) and plays a critical role in the legislative process. It has the authority to impeach federal officials by bringing charges against them, although conviction and removal require a trial and a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate.

3.The Legislative Process:

The process of creating laws in the United States involves both chambers of Congress and the President:

Introduction:

A bill can be introduced in either the House or the Senate. It goes through committee review and revision before being brought to the full chamber for debate and voting.

Committee Review:

Bills are usually referred to committees, which conduct detailed examinations, hold hearings, and make amendments before reporting the bill to the full chamber.

Debate and Voting:

The bill is debated on the chamber floor, and members may propose amendments. A majority vote is required for a bill to pass.

Conference Committee (if necessary):

If the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill, a conference committee is formed to reconcile the differences and create a single, unified version.

Presidential Approval:

Once both chambers agree on the final bill, it is sent to the President. The President can either sign the bill into law