Talking About Politics: The Executive Branch and the Constitution

April 17th, 2025

The system of government in the United States is one of separated powers, in which the powers of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are limited by the U.S. Constitution. The purpose of this arrangement is to prevent any single branch from becoming dominant, thereby protecting the rule of law and rights of the people. Recent developments within the Executive Branch have raised constitutional questions regarding the scope of presidential authority, particularly in relation to the powers of Congress and the judiciary. These actions highlight the ongoing importance of checks and balances in maintaining the integrity of American constitutional government.  This discussion was held March 31, 2025 as part of the ongoing "Talking About Politics" series.

 

US Constitution

Constitutional Government Book List- Krupp Library

Branches of Power- USA.gov

Checks and Balances- GPO

Congressional Power of the Purse- US House of Representatives Archives

Trump’s pushback on judges challenges U.S. system of checks and balances- PBS News Hour

Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions 

Impeaching and Removing Judges- Brennan Center

How Primary Elections Impact Behavior in the U.S. House of Representatives- Bipartisan Policy Center

House Seats Up for Re-election- Ballotpedia

Senate Seats Up for Re-election- Ballotpedia

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