Lincoln's Executive Powers

We recently watched the film “Lincoln” in class. After watching the movie, it raises the question of whether or not Abraham Lincoln abused his powers or not. I believe that Abraham Lincoln did use his powers more than he was allowed to; however, he used them for a good reason in ending slavery.

                Lincoln is said to be among the best presidents of the United States. He led our country through many difficulties and tough situations in his time as president. However, many people feel he abused his powers as president to do so. I would agree that at certain times he did abuse his powers and go against what the Constitution allowed, but he was doing it for a good reason. By passing the 13^th amendment, Lincoln also put an end to the war that had been going on for years. Many felt Lincoln was only trying to pass slavery so he could win the war. However, I believe he was trying to end slavery for positive purposes (such as ending the war), and allowing all people to be equal and free.

                Our current president, Barack Obama has also done the same thing with his powers. For example, Obama has tried to take away our gun rights, which is in the Constitution. He also could have sent troops into Syria at one point when they used chemical weapons. However, he let congress decide. A later agreement was then made that Syria would stop using chemical weapons. I personally believe Obama abused his powers in both situations, and could’ve gone about each situation differently.

                Both Lincoln and Obama have abused their powers to a certain extent by going against the Constitution. Both men tried to pass new laws that went against the Constitution at the time it occurred. However, I believe that when Lincoln did abuse his powers, he did it for a better reason than Obama. History should still remember Lincoln as a great man that played a huge part of getting rid of slavery, even though he abused his powers to do so.

                I believe that this film partially showed how Lincoln abused his powers. He went against the Constitution to try to pass a new law. Obama did the same thing with gun proposals. However, I believe that Lincoln should still receive full credit for what he did in ending slavery.