Explain why American historians usually rate the Gilded Age presidents

Explain why American historians usually rate the Gilded Age presidents among the “weak” presidents of our past.

What will be an ideal response?

ANSWER
The prevailing assumption of the day was that the federal government had a limited role to play in national life, and that Congress, not the president, should control national affairs. This gave little encouragement to men with strong personalities and bold leadership qualities who might run for president. Also, foreign policy was of limited importance in the Gilded Age and foreign policy is an area where the Constitution gives the president greater latitude for leadership.