Trace the role of the presidency from about 1865 to about 1940. Did it Essay

Trace the role of the presidency from about 1865 to about 1940. Did it serve the purpose that the framers of the Constitution expected it to serve - Essay Example The Constitution sets forth the president’s roles as the following: After careful consideration of the president’s roles and functions set forth in the Constitution and the history record during 1865 to 1940 I conclude yes. I believe the role of the presidency was fulfilled as the forefathers of the Constitution intended for the following reasons encompassed in the discussion. Scarcely had Washington been inaugurated when an extra constitutional attribute of the presidency became apparent. (Ayers, Gould, Oshinsky and Soderlund. 2004) Essentially, the presidency is dual in character and that must be taken into consideration when considering the time periods of the presidency that are being discussed. is another important point that needs to be considered. The reason is that it sets the background and establishes the attitudes of the framers of the Constitution. This significant point is that through centuries of constitutional turmoil and struggle between the crown and Parliament, England had divided the two offices. When they did this they separated the power as well. They gave the prime minister the role of running the government and leaving the formal and ceremonial responsibilities of leadership to the monarch. This is significant to the discussion for several reasons. After this took place in history the mindset of Americans was one where they admired and even worshipped Washington as a president. This is important because this attitude towards Washington, although during a time prior to that encompassed in our discussion, set the standard for future attitudes and conceptions of the presidency. Washington performed his role cleverly. He fulfilled his role as president striking a balance between â€Å"too free an intercourse and too much familiarity,† which would reduce the dignity of the office, and â€Å"an ostentatious show† of