Landmark Executive Actions:

Question 1

Treaty of Paris 1898:

Answer 1

The Treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American War and ceded several territories to the United States, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. It marked a significant expansion of U.S. influence in the Pacific and Latin America.

Question 2

Louisiana Purchase of 1803:

Answer 2

The Louisiana Purchase was a land acquisition from France, doubling the size of the United States. President Thomas Jefferson’s purchase included the present-day parts of 15 states, opening up vast territories for westward expansion.

Question 3

Adams-Onis Treaty of 1821:

Answer 3

The Adams-Onis Treaty settled the boundary dispute between the United States and Spain. The U.S. acquired Florida and established a clear western boundary between Spanish and U.S. territories, further expanding American territory.

Question 4

Suspensions of Habeas Corpus:

Answer 4

During times of crisis or war, Presidents have suspended habeas corpus to detain individuals without a trial. For instance, President Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus during the Civil War to deal with threats to national security.

Question 5

Japanese-American Internment:

Answer 5

During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, leading to the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans, infringing upon their civil liberties and constitutional rights.

Question 6

Enforcement of Civil Rights-Related Supreme Court Decisions:

Answer 6

Presidents have played a crucial role in enforcing Supreme Court decisions related to civil rights, such as President Dwight D.
Eisenhower sending federal troops to enforce school desegregation after the Brown v. Board of Education decision.

Question 7

Military Desegregation:

Answer 7

President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981 in 1948, ending racial segregation in the U.S. military. This marked a significant step toward desegregation in the armed forces.

Question 8

Affirmative Action:

Answer 8

President Lyndon B. Johnson issued Executive Order 11246 in 1965, requiring federal contractors to take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities for minority groups. This aimed to address historical discrimination and promote diversity.

Question 9

The Presidential “Bully Pulpit”:

Answer 9

The term “bully pulpit” refers to the President’s use of their prominent position to advocate for policies, reforms, and programs. Presidents have used their influence to gain public support for initiatives such as Theodore Roosevelt’s advocacy for progressive reforms and Franklin
D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs.

Question 10

Presidential War Powers:

Answer 10

The Constitution grants the President war powers as Commander-in-Chief, allowing them to make critical military decisions during conflicts. Presidents have used these powers to engage in military actions, like President George W. Bush’s authorization for the War on Terror after the September 11 attacks.