Using the primary sources provided, class assigned readings and Live Lesson sessions, address the following prompt: Describe how two of the three Progressive Era Presidents viewed the role of the executive branch and be sure to reflect on the complexity of each president's views. Which president’s argument about the role of the executive branch is the most compelling?

Answer the question as a thesis statement! Remember you are making a historic argument. Do not talk about yourself when you are writing an academic argument [DO NOT write “I think..” “I believe…”].
Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement is your concise answer to the prompt you chose in Step 1.
Thesis statements fall at the end of your introduction paragraph and give the reader a preview of your argument. It outlines what your argument will be about by including your 2 topics in order.
Do not talk about yourself when establishing your claim: Avoid “I think…” “I believe…” “It is my opinion…”Example: What caused the American Revolution?

The division between Great Britain and its American colonies was caused by political and economic tensions which led to the American Revolution.Answer the question as a thesis statement! Remember you are making a historic argument. Do not talk about yourself when you are writing an academic argument [DO NOT write “I think..” “I believe…”].

Think about what you want to talk about and select two areas of focus/analysis
Topic 1 Focus:

Topic 2 Focus:

Below are historic categories you may want to consider using to help you establish your focus or topics that you plan to analyze.*
Social
Political
Economic

Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement is your concise answer to the prompt you chose in Step 1.
Thesis statements fall at the end of your introduction paragraph and give the reader a preview of your argument. It outlines what your argument will be about by including your 2 topics in order.
Do not talk about yourself when establishing your claim: Avoid “I think…” “I believe…” “It is my opinion…”
Example: What caused the American Revolution?

The division between Great Britain and its American colonies was caused by political and economic tensions which led to the American Revolution.

During the Progressive Era, Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson had differing views on the role of the executive branch. Roosevelt believed in a more active and interventionist executive branch, utilizing the power of the presidency to address social and economic issues. On the other hand, Wilson advocated for a more limited role of the executive branch, emphasizing the importance of a strict interpretation of the Constitution and the separation of powers. Despite their differences, both presidents recognized the need for government intervention to regulate big business and protect the rights of workers. Ultimately, Roosevelt's argument about the role of the executive branch is the most compelling, as his progressive policies and reforms had a lasting impact on American society and paved the way for future presidents to expand the powers of the presidency in addressing social and economic issues.