[Abraham Lincoln & Franklin Delano Roosevelt], composite

This composite image of Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt represent the presidents whose use of the executive order to push legislation through Congress exceeded all administrations before them. In each case, extraordinary events – the American Civil War, the Great Depression, and World War II – drove the need for expedited legislative action and relief of civil hardships.

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, Christine Sadler Coe Collection, Vanderbilt University Special Collections
Signature of Abraham Lincoln, John E. Boos Collection, Vanderbilt University Special Collections
Portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Library of Congress 
Signature of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, James. G. Stahlman Autograph Collection, Vanderbilt University Special Collections