- United States
- N.Y.
- Letter
Congress must restrain unchecked executive overreach to uphold democracy
To: Rep. Mannion
From: A constituent in West Winfield, NY
March 4
The system of checks and balances set up by the Founding Fathers is a key part of American democracy, meant to stop any one branch of government from getting too much power and messing with people's rights and freedoms. But lately, the executive branch has been doing some worrying stuff that's throwing off this delicate balance. The president basically ignoring Congress's oversight, disobeying court rulings, and claiming all sorts of executive privileges is like a slow erosion of the core principles that have protected our republic for centuries. Having all this power concentrated in one person's hands is a direct threat to the separation of powers, which is the foundation of how our government works. Congress needs to step up and reassert its role as an equal branch, keeping a close eye on the executive branch, making laws, and putting a check on any overreach. The courts also have to stand firm in being an independent judge of the law, upholding due process and equal justice for all. Unchecked executive power that isn't constrained by the whole system of checks and balances sets a dangerous precedent that chips away at the very foundations of our democratic republic. Something needs to be done to restore the balance of power, hold the executive branch accountable, and make sure no one, not even the president, is above the law. The survival of our democratic institutions and protection of our cherished freedoms depends on a vigorous defense of the Constitution and the principles it stands for.