William Howard Taft: The American Presidents Series: The 27th President, 1909-1913

Name: William Howard Taft: The American Presidents Series: The 27th President, 1909-1913
Price: 11.99 USD
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4.2 of 5 Stars: Lawyers & Judges - William Howard Taft: The American Presidents Series: The 27th President, 1909-1913

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Book Synopsis: The only man to serve as president and chief justice, who approached every decision in constitutional terms, defending the Founders’ vision against new populist threats to American democracy.
William Howard Taft never wanted to be president and yearned instead to serve as chief justice of the United States. But despite his ambivalence about politics, the former federal judge found success in the executive branch as governor of the Philippines and secretary of war, and he won a resounding victory in the presidential election of 1908 as Theodore Roosevelt’s handpicked successor.

In this provocative assessment, Jeffrey Rosen reveals Taft’s crucial role in shaping how America balances populism against the rule of law. Taft approached each decision as president by asking whether it comported with the Constitution, seeking to put Roosevelt’s activist executive orders on firm legal grounds. But unlike Roosevelt, who thought the president could do anything the Constitution didn’t forbid, Taft insisted he could do only what the Constitution explicitly allowed. This led to a dramatic breach with Roosevelt in the historic election of 1912, which Taft viewed as a crusade to defend the Constitution against the demagogic populism of Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.

Nine years later, Taft achieved his lifelong dream when President Warren Harding appointed him chief justice, and during his years on the Court he promoted consensus among the justices and transformed the judiciary into a modern, fully equal branch. Though he had chafed in the White House as a judicial president, he thrived as a presidential chief justice.

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Discover the intriguing story of William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, in this captivating book from The American Presidents Series. Taft, the only man to serve as both president and chief justice, navigated through complex political landscapes with a deep commitment to defending the vision of the Founding Fathers. Delve into the world of constitutional debates and courageous decisions that shaped American democracy.

Uncover the enigmatic persona of William Howard Taft through the expert analysis of Jeffrey Rosen in this thought-provoking book. Taft's presidency was marked by a staunch dedication to upholding the Constitution and striking a balance between populism and the rule of law. Dive into the intricate web of political ideologies and leadership styles that defined Taft's era and witness the clash of ideals that transformed the American political landscape.

Immerse yourself in the compelling narrative of Taft's tumultuous relationship with Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson as he fought against demagoguery to preserve the sanctity of the Constitution. Rosen's account sheds light on Taft's unwavering commitment to legal principles and his pivotal role in shaping the course of American history. Explore the complexities of power, justice, and democracy in this gripping portrayal of a pivotal figure in the annals of U.S. politics.

Ready to delve into the captivating world of William Howard Taft and his extraordinary journey through the corridors of power? Embark on a riveting exploration of political intrigue, legal drama, and constitutional dilemmas with "The American Presidents Series: The 27th President, 1909-1913" now!

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