by Con Fusion

Created on: May 04, 2007   Last Updated: May 07, 2007

There is no pastime more enjoyable for people than creating top ten lists. Top 10 greatest moments in rock and roll, top 10 most beautiful people, top 10 ways to make your children listen to you, top 10 (anything). There is never a complete consensus on these lists however; it's always the top 10 according to the source of information's opinion. In naming the top 10 United States presidents however, I used a variety of polls from the Schlesinger 1948 poll to the Wall Street Journal 2005 poll to find the true top 10 executive leaders of a country that began as an experiment.

The last, but still competent, on this list would be president James K. Polk serving from 1845 to 1849. In this short period Polk had to deal with the Mexican-American War, annexation of Texas, the acquisition of Mexican territories like California, and settling a conflict with the British over the Oregon Territory.

At number 9 there is Dwight D. Eisenhower. This retired general saw the beginnings of the Cold War, the interstate highway system, enforcement of desegregation, and in general a moderate economic prosperity.

Andrew Jackson comes next with many important features. The office of the presidency saw a great increase in veto power with his role in the Bank War but he also expanded political participation to average citizens with his "Jacksonian Democracy. He skillfully handled the Nullification Crisis that could have easily turned into a southern secession.

Harry S. Truman was a very much disliked president during his time. He made key decisions in WWII, the Cold War, and the Korean War. The Marshall Plan, NATO, Truman Doctrine and Fair Deal were enormously effective in giving the U.S. a positive foreign image. However, because of his dismissal of the incredibly popular General Douglas MacArthur, Truman became instantly out of favor with the American public.

Ranked 6 would be Woodrow Wilson. Wilson effectively dealt with WWI and his attempt with the League of Nations was valiant and well intended even if it did not follow through. He did have success in creating the Federal Reserve, Federal Trade Commission, Clayton Antitrust Act, and a progressive income tax however.

The fifth greatest president would be Theodore Roosevelt. TR brought a whole new life back into the presidency after a drought of any true public leader. He is best known for his trust-busting, agency regulating, and conservationism. He was the first progressive president and set out to reform the ills of society full force.

Thomas

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