Benjamin Harrison

Abstract

Except for Grant, Harrison is the most misrepresented Gilded Age president. His legislative accomplishments were enormous, yet accounts say he was “ whiggish,” or even a “figurehead.” This is nonsense. He worked behind the scenes to shape legislation, used his powers creatively, and managed to use prestige and informal authority when presidential powers were inadequate. He made America an obvious world power, his veterans’ pensions were a precursor to Social Security, he expanded and modernized the federal judiciary, and his initiative led to the protection of federal officers in pursuit of their duty, this considerably enhancing the ability of the president to enforce the law. He contributed considerably to the strengthening of the presidency, and was an acknowledged model for President McKinley and for subsequent presidents.