Abstract

This Research paper expounds the notion that Abraham Lincoln is the most influential political leader of United States, who has a profound value in the political scenario of 20th -21st century. Historically, he is at the center of America's national myth, the sustaining narrative that defines us as a common people based not on blood, but on fidelity to the principles of the Declaration. As the embodiment of the American experiment, Lincoln has represented the following things which are still considered valid in the current 21st century.

Table of Contents

Introduction3

Discussion3

Nature of Equality and Democracy3

Moral Touchstone4

Anti-Slavery5

Political Theory6

Executive Power6

Conclusion7

Abraham Lincoln and 20th- 21st Century

Introduction

Abraham Lincoln's contribution to political theory may be analyzed in terms of the theoretical, practical, and historical implications and impact of his thought and leadership in 21st century. Theoretically, his speeches and writings provide one of the greatest moral justifications of democracy ever given to the world. This Research paper expounds the notion that Abraham Lincoln is the most influential political leader of United States, who has a profound value in the political scenario of 20th -21st century. Practically, his actions provide a model of prudent statesman-ship—that is, the ability to apply moral principles correctly under the legal, social, and political circumstances of the time (Basler, Pp. 170).

Historically, he is at the center of America's national myth, the sustaining narrative that defines us as a common people based not on blood, but on fidelity to the principles of the Declaration. As the embodiment of the American experiment, Lincoln has represented the following things which are still considered valid in the current 21st century. These things are the savior of the Union, the great emancipator, man of the people, the first American, and the self-made man.

Discussion

Nature of Equality and Democracy

Although he was not a political theorist, Lincoln articulated some of the most profound and enduring insights about the nature of equality, liberty, democracy, constitutionalism, and the meaning and destiny of the American experiment in self-government. His Gettysburg Address, which distilled the essence of the American creed, famously defines democracy as a form of government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” His principles are delineated in the current political scenario of United States, and it works as a source of immense inspiration.

Lincoln probed the moral foundations of democracy to vindicate the American regime from the hypocrisy of slavery. He was compelled to provide a coherent understanding of democracy and its core principle of equal consent in response to the twin threats of slavery and disunion (McPherson, Pp. 57).

Moral Touchstone

The above view of equality and consent was the moral touchstone of Lincoln's leadership as opposed to proslavery rivals from both South and North. For example, in contrast to Lincoln's view, Southern disciples of John C. Calhoun understood the principle of equality in collective terms, as applying to the equal rights of states and to the corporate body of citizens within these states (Peterson, Pp. 90). Stephen A. Douglas, Lincoln's nemesis from Illinois, interpreted the principle as applying exclusively to ...