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Truman's Role In Making Presidential Decisions

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Truman's Role In Making Presidential Decisions
On December 7th, 1941, American history changed forever. In a surprise attack that destroyed nearly the entirety of the United States Air Force and Navy, a spark was ignited in American culture to seize and destroy Japan. A vengeance unforeseen by the Americans since the Revolutionary War, the United States and its military were ready to attack but the Japanese “vowed to fight until the end” (pg. 393, Truman). President Harry S. Truman, consequently had to make one of the toughest Presidential decisions ever, yet, it was one that followed the Constitution explicitly and changed the course of human history forever. Following his inauguration, on April 24th, 1945, Truman became aware of the atomic bombs. He wasted no-time in assembling a coalition …show more content…
According to Section 2, Article 2, “The President shall be commander in chief of the Army and Navy of the United States” This reserves the President the right to make military decisions without the knowledge of Congress as long as Congress has approved the war.
The Constitution is the means in which all Presidents should preside their decision making, this untimely document thoroughly outlines the responsibility of all branches of the government as well as that of all United States citizens. In the case of Truman’s decision to drop the Atomic bombs on Japan, He thanklessly followed the Constitution word by word and ultimately made the best decision to keep the American people safe.
Truman, as all Presidents should, had a deep respect for the Constitution and he often referred to the Federalist Papers written by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, to explain and defend his actions. His approval of all war-time decisions were directly influenced by the founders writings and their intentions for a President. As Truman made one of the toughest and most pivotal decisions in American History, he followed the Constitution explicitly and managed to make one that benefited all Americans. Truman’s decision was made under the law and exhibited how a decision can keep America, a safe
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