PrintDecember 31, 2011
Teddy vs. Calvin
Theodore Roosevelt seems to be in vogue among certain Republican contenders -- but his Republicanism might not be the most conservative brand available. In fact, a big ideological contender against Roosevelt is Calvin Coolidge, another Republican stalwart of the 20th century. Though these two men occupied the same political party, each embodies one side of a struggle between philosophical factions that continues today.
In summarizing his view of the proper role of the presidency, Roosevelt in his autobiography writes, "I declined to adopt the view that what was imperatively necessary for the Nation could not be done by the President unless he could find some specific authorization to do it"1. In other words, Roosevelt rejected the notion that Article II defined his powers in the Constitution. If something needed to be done, according to Teddy, he should have the power to do it himself, unilaterally. In practical terms, this is a rejection of free-market...(Read Full Article)
