Congress vs. The President: Nothing New

In a recent article in the New York Times, the issue of Congressional powers and their limits was raised again.
Since there is a war going on, and as public opinion plummets on the current policy, the debate about what role the Congress and Executive truly heats up. However, this is nothing new. History has shown that there has been an almost incessant battle between the two branches; a sibling rivalry and sometimes inferiority complexes (see impeachment of Andrew Johnson).



This power relationship is one of the most important in American politics, in that, if it fails, so does our entire system of government. Maintaining this balance of power, and not allowing either the Congress or Executive to shun the Constitution, is essential to a free nation.

Lastly, in an article in USA Today, author Ross Baker reviews a little bit of the history of Congressional oversight. He lays out the importance of Congress being moderate in their power relationship with The President and also cautions the 110th Congress to not get too far ahead of itself.

Either way, the Congress and President have a very tenuous relationship, but this is nothing new. Throughout American history they've each fought hard for their own powers and they will continute to do so, as long as the institution of American government exists.