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27th President of the United States
Presidential campaigns
10th Chief Justice of the United States Post-presidency ![]() | ||
Taftian theory (also "Whig" theory and literalist theory) [1] is a political term in the United States referring to a strict constructionist view regarding presidential power and the United States Constitution, where a president's power is limited to those powers specifically enumerated by the Constitution. [2] [3]
Taftian Theory was coined after the governing style of the 27th president of the United States, William Howard Taft. Most presidents prior to Franklin D Roosevelt subscribed to this theory, whereas more recent presidents (except Trump) subscribe to a stewardship theory. [3] [4]