Politics are a touchy subject in today’s society, and some of that is due to the modern presidencies and personal beliefs. With just a little less than a month before the next election, My mind focused on the greatest presidents in American history.
Most people can agree that the best president of all time is George Washington, the first president. He set the standard for other presidents who would come after him. He pioneered the presidential system with additions including the two-term limit and the cabinet of advisors. He is the reason we say “Mr. President” because Washington said, “your excellency” sounded too royal. He also warned against political parties dividing the country, which would eventually become a problem in American society.
After Washington, the next best president was James K. Polk, the 11th president. He is the only president to succeed at accomplishing all his goals within one term. He received what he wanted, and he did anything to achieve his goals. Whether it was lowering tariffs or preventing war with Britain over Oregon territory, Polk did it well. His most popular achievement was that of the Mexican-American War, in which the U.S. obtained the California and Arizona territories. Polk said he would not run for re-election, he kept his promise, dying only a few months after leaving office.
After Polk, the next best president is Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president. He became president after President William McKinley was assassinated. He had to live up to the expectations the nation had, and he did a good job. Not only did he continue McKinley’s expansionist ideas, but he did a better job at keeping it civil. He advocated for the breaking down of monopolies and made new national landmarks and parks. The Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act was passed under his presidency, and he played a crucial role in the construction of the Panama Canal. It is a shame he did not win the election of 1912.
