Presidents in American History

In American history, many presidents have raised constitutional concerns relating to their positions, actions, or attitudes. During their administrations, Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush all faced certain constitutional problems. In each case below, define the constitutional issues.
ANSWER:
Situation of the President What was the constitutional question(s) involved? Iran's Ronald Reagan Contra Affair
The Iran contra affair is a diplomatic controversy that raised crucial constitutional concerns regarding the foreign relations powers of the Congress and President. It raised questions about supremacy in the constitutional separation of authority theory, where the three branches of power, where the three branches of the government have autonomous authority to execute not only their functions but also check others against excesses. The incident entailed the conflict between the Congress and Reagan's administration, where the house was against attempts to fund Contra Rebels in Nicaragua. The secretive selling of weapons to Iran as well as funding rebels raised questions of which branch is superior in constitutionally assigned authority. Bill Clinton Impeachment The circumstantial case was based on the role of the 42nd president in obstructing the course of justice as well as perjury, where he knowingly gave false evidence. While he survived impeachment, the case is against the supposition of the Emoluments Clause, where leaders are constitutionally expected to uphold integrity

George W. Bush Use of executive privilege Bush invoked constitutional provisions that protect the presidency in 2001, barring congressional committee from investigating the scandal surrounding mob informant in Boston. The incidence evoked questions of the constitutionality of executive privileges, as they are based on precedence and not the constitution. It also raised credibility concerns of public figures, as Bush attempts were cushiony efforts against sidestepping authority. Patriot Act The Patriot Act raises constitutional questions on the role of the government in overseeing its mandate. The enactment of the Patriot Act to allow unwarranted scrutiny led to massive surveillance to seal security gaps that led to the 9/11 bombings. Nevertheless, the National Security Agency activities raised constitutionality issues as they violated the First Amendment and the Fourth Amendment

Iraq War The Iraq war evoked questions on the constitutional limits of the presidents in matters pertaining to the governance. While the majority of Americans were against the invasion because of humanity concerns, Presidents Bush insisted he had constitutional powers to send the troops to Middle East as well as decide when to end the war. Another constitutional issue in the military assault is superiority in representational democracy. The strained relationship between the Congress and the Executive was evident. While the decision on whether to go to war has solely rested on the Congress as evidenced by the Vietnam wars, President Bush failed to acknowledge the role of the legislature, where he invaded Iraq even when the house failed to enforce article 1.
(20 points)
Score Write a brief essay explaining which constitutional issue described above you think was most serious for the country’s well-being and why.

Answer:
Your Score ___ of 35 The Patriot Act is the most serious constitutional transgression in the United States as it not only breached the fundamental entitlements but also invalidated the tenets of democracy. Unlike other issues that raise concern over credibility of the leaders, the enactment violated rights of the general public. When the act was adopted, the primary focus was protecting Americans against acts of terror. Security agencies were allowed to go through personal details of people, including tapping their phone, and read their emails in efforts to establish criminality profile. Nevertheless, the high level of intrusiveness that followed the Patriot Act breached fundamental entitlements enshrined in the U.S constitution. It violated the First Amendments, including Freedom of Speech and Information, Expression, and Individual Liberty. It was also founded against provisions of the Fourth Amendment, where people are protected against unwarranted search and seizure.