The Impotence of Reticence

The difficult national problems which have focused around the presidency in this election year have created renewed interest in theories of presidential power. In this article the author reviews the gravitation of power from the legislative to the executive branch, and, through an institutional analysis, discusses the difficulties created by the shift in balance. The conclusion is reached that rejuvenation of congressional authority is a prerequisite to the continuance of a free and stable American government.