Presidential Power: Historical Perspectives on Jefferson, Truman, and Nixon
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Explore the dynamic use and misuse of presidential power throughout history, from Jefferson's bold Louisiana Purchase to Truman's controversial intervention in the steel mills and Nixon's notorious Watergate scandal.
Presidential Power: Historical Perspectives on Jefferson, Truman, and Nixon
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Presentation Transcript
Presidential Power Use and Misuse
Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase • 1803 – France offered to sell Louisiana Territory to U.S. for $15 Million. • Jefferson didn’t think he had the Constitutional Power to do this. • James Madison said the President had the power to make treaties. • Jefferson signed treaty with France to buy the land.
Truman and the Steel Mills • 1952-Steel workers wanted to go on strike. • Pres. Truman knew steel was necessary for the war effort. • Put Sec. of Commerce in charge of the mills. • Steel companies went to court saying Pres. Had no right to take over private property. • Supreme Court said Truman over-stepped his powers.
Nixon and Watergate • Pres. Nixon used Whitehouse staff to break into Democratic National Headquarters. • Burglars arrested. • Nixon denied any knowledge of the break-in. • Had tapes of conversation proving otherwise.
Nixon refused to turn over tapes to police claiming “Executive Privilege”. • Supreme Court ordered Nixon to turn over the tapes. • Nixon resigned as President.