Defending Congress and the Structure (Research in Authorities and Public Coverage)

Our nation’s main authority on the separation of powers, Fisher affords a lucid primer on our nation’s authorities and its govt, legislative, and judicial branches whereas vigorously advocating a strong reassertion of Congress’s rightful position inside that system. Drawing on a variety of laws, Supreme Courtroom rulings, and presidential selections, Fisher illuminates the contentious contest among the many three main branches for energy and management of presidency, presents a panorama of American historical past, and touches on points as wide-ranging as federalism, non secular freedom, and nationwide safety coverage.

Fisher is particularly crucial of the stereotypical view of the Supreme Courtroom’s selections as possessing a form of effectiveness and absolute finality that transcends the efforts and powers of Congress. Certainly, he argues that Congress, as a lot or greater than the judiciary, has had a serious constructive impression on defending particular person rights on this nation, whereas the judiciary has fallen quick in such areas as baby labor regulation and obligatory flag salute-or has tried to settle a constitutional challenge solely to have it fester for years, breeding anger and resentment, till the political course of forces the courts rethink their views. He highlights legislative accomplishments in lots of areas, typically within the face of judicial opposition and obstruction, but in addition chides Congress for not defending its key prerogatives over the facility of the purse and going to battle.

In yielding to different branches, Fishers warns, lawmakers fail to signify their constituents and cripple the very system of checks and balances the Framers counted on to restrict the harmful capability of presidency. His e-book affords a wealth of forceful insights and supplies an vital reminder of and information to how our authorities ought to actually work.