How Did Harry S Truman Use Presidential Power

Harry S. Truman’s presidency, riddled with moral dilemmas, is often argued as being one of the worst in history, however his controversial yet effective use of military power, the lasting treaties that he promoted on behalf of the US, his bold use of legislative power -promoting support to communist threatened countries to congress- and his usage of executive power through executive orders and the assembly of his cabinet has demonstrated that his presidency has been successful to the growth of our nation. Truman's presidency was one rushed and stressful, as he inherited office only months after Roosevelt started his fourth term. He was sworn in the same day Roosevelt passed, sworn into into a complicated and stressful position during the second
Truman’s most notable use of this power is his Truman Doctrine. This act of foreign policy was given to a joint session of congress and was then given in the form of a speech to the american people by Harry S. Truman in order for them to see the importance of giving aid to "free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures (Gale, Truman Doctrine)." This was a direct outcry and pledge to protect other countries threatened by communism. Even though many saw this action as extreme and unnecessary it set a foreign policy precedent that is still viewed today as influential and important. Truman also used legislative power through his use of vetoes. Truman vetoed 250 bills and out of those had 12 vetoes overturned by congress. Although he often acted against public support, many of his vetoes helped support his plan for office and success of the economic status of the nation. This foresight and caution in his vetoes as well as strength and boldness in foreign policy and direction to the congress mark him as a successful
His use of executive orders seems excessive to many, totaling 907 (Executive Orders, Peters, Wooley), many are seen as groundbreaking in the civil rights movement, especially Executive Order 9980 and 9981. These two executive orders dissuaded discrimination in the federal establishment and provided equal treatment and opportunity in the armed forces respectively. Truman shows through his use of executive orders his priorities and goals for our nation. Harry S. Truman also used his executive power through assembling his cabinet. He inherited the presidency as well as Roosevelt’s cabinet. However, Truman had little faith or trust in this group of advisors. He reassembled his cabinet to include Dean Acheson and George Marshall. Both of these men were strong advisors that helped get congressional support for the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan. They were known as men of integrity and reflected good judgement on Harry S. Truman throughout his two terms. Both of these displays of executive power demonstrate the success that Truman held in