politics
To save the republic, Congress must learn to legislate again
There is a quiet crisis unfolding in our constitutional system, one that goes to the heart of whether we remain a self-governing people. The framers designed Congress as the first branch: Article I of the Constitution. It’s the body of our federal government that is closest to the citizenry, charged with the hard, deliberative work of writing the laws that shape our national life. It was designed to be the primary mover in our government. Congress creates executive agencies and even lower courts. It can remove members of the other branches, too, but neither the executive nor the judiciary can remove members of Congress. The other branches (in theory) can act only within the bounds of whatever Congress has chosen.
TL;DR
- Congress has increasingly handed away its legislative authority to the executive and judicial branches.
- This abdication of responsibility occurs because politicians wish to avoid making difficult decisions that could impact reelection.
- Fundamental questions regarding citizenship, elections, sovereignty, and social issues are being decided by courts and the executive, not elected representatives.
- When Congress fails to legislate, the judiciary and executive fill the vacuum, leading to policy that is either frozen in judicial amber or subject to political whims.
- This erosion of legislative power weakens the nation's capacity for self-governance and democratic accountability.
- Congress possesses the tools for deliberation and legislation, including open debate, amendment, and negotiation, which must be utilized.
- The solution requires Congress to reclaim its authority by engaging in clear, specific, and patient legislating.
- The people must expect their representatives to legislate, rather than relying on courts and presidents to solve national problems.