On inauguration day, James Polk said, 'Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity.' LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

James K. Polk LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Hail to the Chiefs/Seven Presidents who made a difference

Date published: 9/18/2008

Part two of a seven-part series about U.S. presidents.

CHARLOTTESVILLE

Polk is considered a good president because he came into office with four main goals, and he accomplished them all! He pledged to: 1) resolve the Oregon Territory border with Britain; 2) settle the Texas border dispute and acquire California and New Mexico from Mexico; 3) establish an independent treasury system; and 4) reduce tariffs. Polk knew what he wanted to accomplish, and through a mix of dedication, persuasion, strong-arming, and political ingenuity, he made it happen.

Although Polk is often considered the first "dark horse" candidate, he came into the presidency with significant political experience: He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 14 years, including a stint as speaker of the House from 1835 to 1839, and then returned home to be governor of Tennessee from 1839 to 1841. One of Polk's mentors was Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States; Jackson relied on Polk as speaker of the House to advance his agenda through Congress.

THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE

Like Jackson, Polk believed that the president was the one true representative of all the people and, as such, the president had to use his power to fulfill the will of the people. He was an effective and strong chief executive--the strongest between Jackson and Abraham Lincoln. He worked incredibly hard, perhaps even giving all he had as he died only months after leaving office.

Polk involved himself in many details as president; in fact, today we might call him a micro-manager. He came into office declaring, "I intend to be myself president of the U.S." Polk resisted turning over the reins of power, and he tightly controlled the White House and the executive departments. He was personally responsible for many facets of the executive branch, and he ran much of the Mexican War from Washington--supervising war planning and implementing military strategy.

Yet, despite his firm control, he treated his Cabinet members with respect, meeting with them frequently, and valuing their input on issues.

Date published: 9/18/2008