Question

Thomas Jefferson sent a naval squadron to the Mediterranean Sea to protect American merchant ships from Barbary pirates without waiting for congressional approval. This is an example of the:_____________
1. doctrine of executive prerogative.
2. preservation clause.
3. right of exception.
4. supremacy clause.
5. writ of habeas corpus.

Answer 1

Answer

1. The Doctrine of executive prerogative.

Explanation.

The doctrine of executive prerogative, or executive privilege, is the constitutional right of the executive branch of government in the United States, including the president, to keep information and communication confidential and outside of the oversight of judicial and legislative branches. This can only happen under exceptional circumstances when revealling information can prevent the correct execution of government functions.

During the late XVIII and early XIX century, the so-called Barbary States on the coast of North Africa supported the piracy as a valid way to obtain resources. During the British Rule, American trade fleet was protected by the British Army, but suddenly after the independence, they lost that protection. The congress, learning that European states negotiated with the Barbary States through payment approved a budget of $80,000 to prevent piracy attacks over American trade ships.

However, negotiations did not have the intended outcomes, and many American vessels were captured by corsairs during the 1790s. The situation escalated, to the point in which Jefferson decided to take military action without consulting the Congress, using his right to executive prerogative.