Essay on The Presidency of Gerald R. Ford - 1081 Words

The Presidency of Gerald R. Ford Gerald R. Ford was the 38th President of the United States, after gaining the position through extraordinary circumstances. His good will and friendly demeanor helped him climb the political ladder higher than even he had anticipated. His career in politics began with his law firm, yet ended up in the oval office. While his presidency was short lived, it is remembered due to numerous crucial decisions he had to make. After graduating from Yale with a law degree in 1941, Gerald R. Ford returned to his home town of Grand Rapids Michigan to start a law firm with his friend Phillip Buchen. He also became active in local politics. However, less than a year passed before he joined the Navy in 1942 to assist in†¦show more content†¦As a matter of fact, his route to the presidency was more circumstantial than intentional. In 1973, Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned from office due to a kick-back scandal (Gerald R. Ford Timeline 3). President Richard Nixon then decided to select Ford as the new vice president, knowing that Ford’s reputation in Congress would make him the only candidate both houses and parties would accept. As the vice president, Ford was not very active. Even more so, he intentionally chose to stay out of the way; perhaps because he did not want to be associated with the actions and policies of the Nixon administration. Next, as is popular knowledge, President Nixon resigned after the Watergate scandal came to light, leaving Ford to become the President. Gerald R. Ford was sworn in on August 9, 1974, as the United State’s 38th president. In his inauguration speech, Ford was open about the bizarre circumstances that led to him holding the position. He acknowledged to the people that he was not chosen by them for the job as President. He continues to say, â€Å"If you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I gained office by any secret promises. I have not campaigned either for the Pres idency or the Vice Presidency. I have not subscribed to any partisan platform.† He spoke these words to show the public—who were skeptical of all politicians after the Watergate scandal—that he could be trusted. He knew withoutShow MoreRelatedGerald Ford s President Of The United States943 Words   |  4 PagesWeiss Research Paper Gerald Ford What makes a great president? Being the President of the United States is one of the most difficult positions to be in. And throughout history there has been presidents who faced crisis and made society a better place, and then there were some who did not live up to their greatest opportunities. Gerald R. Ford was the 38th President of the United States of America and was considered below average in all aspects of his presidency including relations withRead MoreAnnalee Ferguson. Dr. Wolfe. Dc American History. 30 March1268 Words   |  6 PagesAnnalee Ferguson Dr. Wolfe DC American History 30 March 2017 Gerald Ford Gerald Ford was a simple man born in Omaha, Nebraska on July 14, 1913 (Brinkley 1). Through trials and tribulations growing up, Ford, originally named Leslie Lynch King, Jr., became a stellar football player, friend, and student (Green). Though law was always in his wheelhouse, graduating in the top third of his class at Yale’s Law School, Ford never intended on being in a position higher than Speaker of the House, which heRead More President Gerald Ford Essay1433 Words   |  6 PagesPresident Gerald Ford Outline I. Introduction II. Early Life III. Presidency IV. Conclusion V. Bibliography Introduction Ford may not be the most important president during his time, but he did more than some presidents did for the people. One of them was raising their spirits and hopes for the people to the government. 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A previously unsurpassed amount of legislation was passed during this time; numerous laws were passed to protect the environment, keep consumers safe, reduce unfairness in educationRead MoreForrest Gump Essay1422 Words   |  6 Pagesto the entire collection of rights enjoyed by the president. IV. allows presidents to break the law with impunity. a. I only b. I and II c. I and III d. II and III e. II and IV 18. If the president dies in office and the vice presidency is vacant, the next person in the line of succession is the a. President pro tempore of the Senate. b. Secretary of Defense. c. Speaker of the House. d. Secretary of State. e. Secretary of the Treasury. 19. The Twenty-Fifth AmendmentRead MoreThe War Of The Vietnam War1904 Words   |  8 PagesAccording to a lecture from POSC 458 - the Vietnam Wars, President Gerald R. Ford, perhaps not in any fault of his own, faced a fierce Congress who continued to reject funding the war in Vietnam. 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