The recent firings of federal officials and rounds of executive orders under President Donald Trump have ignited dozens of lawsuits, spurring a growing public debate about the scope of his authority — and whether Trump is restoring powers that the framers originally intended for the commander in chief.

Many of the lawsuits from former inspectors general disputing their terminations or left-wing organizations fighting executive actions stem from their claims that Trump is attempting to expand presidential authority, while Trump’s allies have drawn historical comparisons to presidents of the earlier 20th century and prior, who faced far less resistance under a much less watered-down interpretation of Article II of the Constitution, which establishes the president’s broad powers and responsibilities.