Who Were the Democratic Presidents of the United States?
The United States of America has seen many political transitions throughout its turbulent history. Many of the most dramatic arcs of that history have been shaped by leaders from the Democratic Party. Below is a list of the Democratic presidents of the United States, from the most recent to the oldest.
Barack Obama
Barack Obama was the 44th president of the United States, and the first African American to be elected to the presidency. He served from 2009 to 2017, after being elected to two terms of office. During his time as president, Obama introduced the Affordable Care Act, enacted Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal, and directed US troops to successfully conduct a mission against Osama Bin Laden.
A True Leader: Highlights of Obama’s Presidency
During his term, President Obama actively promoted peace and prosperity across the world. He increased America’s diplomatic engagement with other nations, and succeeded in bolstering ties with many other countries, including Cuba and Iraq. He also spearheaded an increased commitment to the environment and climate change, reaching the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2017. This agreement was an effort to limit global greenhouse emissions. Obama also improved relations with Iran, negotiating a deal to limit their nuclear stockpiles.
Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States, and was inaugurated in 1993. He served two terms in office, until 2001. Clinton was a proponent of fiscal responsibility, increasing the GDP and balancing the federal budget for the first time in decades. He worked to expand free trade and successfully enacted NAFTA. He also pursued welfare reform, a crime bill, and a number of other progressive domestic policies.
Achievements from Clinton’s Presidency
During his time in office, President Clinton invested in technology, education, and infrastructure. He introduced the Earned Income Tax Credit and child tax credit, providing tax cuts to low-income and working families. He also created new Protections for Health Care Consumers, working to make the health care system more transparent and accessible, reducing health care costs and expanding coverage. Clinton was also a major voice in the fight against HIV/AIDS, establishing the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, and introducing the Preservation of Affordable Housing Act and the Hope VI program to encourage mixed income housing.
Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter was the 39th president of the United States, serving one term from 1977 to 1981. Before being elected to office, he was Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. As president, Carter worked to deregulate the energy industry, initiating deregulation of oil and gas prices. He also enacted a number of human rights instruments and founded the Department of Education.
Carter’s Presidential Accomplishment
President Carter was a steadfast advocate of human rights, and worked to improve the rights of citizens across the world. He signed two human rights instruments: the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. He supported the SALT II Arms Reduction Treaty, creating the framework for elimination of nuclear weapons. He was also the first president to recognize the People’s Republic of China, creating diplomatic relations between the United States and China
Lyndon Johnson
Lyndon Johnson was the 36th president of the United States, and assumed office after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Johnson served as president until 1969, and held the first gavel in Congress during his long career as senator. During his time in office, he was an important figure in the civil rights movement, introducing civil rights acts that ended segregation. He also established Medicaid, Medicare and the War on Poverty.
Social Initiatives from Johnson’s Era
Among the most important legislation enacted during Johnson’s presidency was the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited segregation in public spaces and the workforce. He also introduced the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which gave voting rights to African Americans previously denied access. Johnson also established the National Endowment for the Arts, introducing a public program that provides assistance to artists and arts organizations. His Great Society program enacted social initiatives such as elementary and secondary education, and an increased minimum wage.
Franklin Roosevelt
Franklin Roosevelt was the 32nd president of the United States, serving four terms from 1933 to 1945. He was the longest-serving president in American history. Roosevelt was elected amidst the Great Depression and enticed the American public with his New Deal program, which aimed to revive the economy and protect the welfare of the American people. He also is considered to be the architect of the American welfare state, having enacted regulations to protect the economy.
FDR’s Presidency: A Triumph for the American People
During his time in office, President Roosevelt spearheaded major reforms in response to the Great Depression and subsequent economic decline. The New Deal introduced landmark legislation such as the Social Security Act and the National Industrial Recovery Act. The New Deal also provided relief to millions of suffering Americans. It provided funds for public works endeavors to keep people employed, and implemented agricultural and labor policies. FDR also led the United States through World War II, establishing a number of diplomatic relationships around the world.
Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson was elected to office in 1912, serving two terms until 1921. He championed progressive reform, leading the US to victory in World War I, and blossoming in the position of a major force in international politics and the economy. He introduced progressive tax laws, antitrust laws, and a number of other regulations. He also introduced the Landlord-Tenant Act of 1915, which provided protection for tenants from exploiting landlords.
Wilson’s legacy of reform
Wilson is responsible for introducing the greatest tax reform of the 20th century. This tax reform introduced an income tax for the upper classes, and implemented progressive taxation for corporations and the wealthy. He also introduced a number of new banking regulations, including the Federal Reserve Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act. Wilson is also responsible for the introduction of the League of Nations, reinstating international efforts towards peace and disarmament.
The Democratic presidents of the United States have shaped the nation’s history, bringing prosperity, reform, and progress to America. From the first African American president to the Great Communicator, the Democratic presidents of the past have continued to shape the nation with their initiatives and regulations.