The Power

The Executive branch does not hold the most power in the United States government. The Founding Fathers made the Legislative branch the most powerful, as they feared a monarch, or any other form of oppression. This can be proved through the powers given to the legislature. They control spending, the military, foreign relations, federal laws, and important federal appointments (Supreme Court justices, etc.). Almost every check and balance in the federal government ends with the legislature. Bills, once passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, can be vetoed, but Congress can override a presidential veto. Once a bill has become law, the Supreme Court can, if the case is brought before them, make a ruling on it. However, the justices on the court must be approved by Congress, again leaving the final power with Congress.

One example of this is President Franklin D. Roosevelt. During his first term, many new organizations, acts, and programs were created to help relieve the Great Depression. FDR relied on several key senators to propose these actions. These programs all used funds controlled by Congress. Many of these programs, during deregulation and spending cuts, lost federal funding, leaving them without any means to function as FDR wanted them to. This is another demonstration of Congress's power in our government. The other presidential example I will use is that of Jimmy Carter. One of the most important actions he took during his presidency was attending SALT II, the second negotiations held between the United States and Russia concerning nuclear arms. President Carter signed the treaty that resulted from SALT II, however, Congress, fearing there were too many concessions to Russia, refused to ratify it. The power was with Congress. Without being ratified, the treaty was just a paper.