Andrew Jackson

- before Jackson presidents used the veto power sparingly to aid congress in the performance of its deliberative functions 

- returned bills to congress for "reconsideration"

- Jackson used this power to veto bills that he considered unconstitutional and those he viewed as bad policy

Abraham Lincoln

-during time of civil war, Lincoln asserted unprecedented, unilateral executive power 

-he justified actions such as imposing a blockade on southern ports, suspending the writ of habeas corpus, nationalizing the militia, and expanding the size of the army and navy

- he called it his "inherent executive power" in times of emergency

Theodore Rooselvelt

-Roosevelt used his office as a "bully pulpit" to shape public opinion and frame debates on domestic legislation that he proposed to Congress

-bully pulpit: position of visibility and influence, often a political position from which to advocate a particular point of view

Woodrow wilson

-wilson also carried issues directly to the public