The Bolduc Brief: National Security – The Erosion of Congressional Power

The United States government was founded on the principles of a balanced system of checks and balances, as outlined in the Constitution. Designed to ensure that no one branch would dominate the others, this framework was meant to empower Congress as the representative of the American people. However, an alarming trend over the last four administrations—both Republican and Democrat—suggests that Congress has steadily lost constitutional power, leading to a troubling marginalization of its authority and a significant alteration in the balance of power. This essay aims to explore this erosion of congressional power, particularly under the current administration, and the potential implications for the constitutional republic, with a specific focus on the irresponsible use of executive orders and the use of military force.

Historically, Congress was intended to be the most powerful of the three branches of government, poised to enact legislation, approve budgets, and declare war. However, as the complexities of modern governance increased and crises unfolded—ranging from economic instability to national security threats—the executive branch has often seized the opportunity to expand its authority.

Through a series of actions characterized by executive orders, unilateral decisions, and the invocation of emergency powers, presidents have taken on roles traditionally reserved for Congress. This trend was evident during the administrations of both George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who broadened executive power in response to terrorism and economic crises, respectively. Their successors, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, have continued this pattern, further reshaping the relationship between the branches.

A particularly contentious issue is the irresponsible use of executive power when it comes to military engagements. The Constitution grants Congress the exclusive authority to declare war, a critical check on the president’s military powers. However, over the years, presidents have engaged in military actions without explicit Congressional approval, citing a range of justifications—from national security to humanitarian interventions. This circumvention of Congressional authority not only undermines the legislative branch’s constitutional responsibilities but also risks entangling the nation in conflicts without proper debate or oversight. Such actions foster resentment among lawmakers who feel their authority is being usurped and contribute to public disenchantment with the political process.

The current administration has further exacerbated concerns about executive power by regularly authorizing military actions and interventions that circumvent Congressional scrutiny. This has created a situation where critical military decisions—those with profound implications for national and international security—are made unilaterally by the executive branch, often without sufficient transparency or accountability. The lack of robust public discourse around these decisions can lead to long-term consequences that might not align with the interests or values of the American people.

Moreover, this trend towards executive overreach is mirrored in the way federal departments operate under executive directives that bypass legislative approval. Instead of engaging in the legislative process, key issues are often resolved unilaterally by the president or through regulatory agencies, diminishing the role of elected representatives. Congressional oversight appears increasingly ineffective, leaving citizens with a sense of disconnectedness from their government.

Another concerning facet of this erosion of Congress’s power is its effect on the Judiciary. Justices—from federal district courts to the Supreme Court—are often faced with cases that reflect political pressures rather than constitutional principles. Appointments and decisions that manifest partisan interests further amplify the imbalance, compromising the integrity of the judiciary while sidelining Congressional intention and authority.

Compounding this concern is the fact that many Americans seem increasingly apathetic toward these shifts in power. As citizens become disillusioned with the political process, engagement wanes, allowing for greater exertions of executive power without challenge or oversight. When Congress becomes inactive or fails to assert itself, it forfeits its constitutional responsibility to represent the interests of the electorate.

As the nation moves into the second year of the current administration, the prospects for restoring the balance of power appear bleak unless there are concerted efforts to uphold constitutional principles and reassert Congressional authority. If these trends continue, the potential for a redefinition or erosion of constitutional norms looms large, threatening the very foundations of the republic. A government that operates without adequate checks from Congress poses a significant security risk to the nation. Irresponsible military actions—often undertaken without clear Congressional sanction—threaten to entangle the nation in conflicts that undermine America’s ethical stance and regional stability.

In conclusion, the gradual but alarming trend of Congressional power erosion over the last four administrations raises profound concerns for the future of American democracy. To preserve the intended balance of power among branches of government, we must cultivate active and engaged public consciousness. Citizens must advocate for their rights and demand that their representatives in Congress fulfill their constitutional obligations. It is only through revitalized Congressional authority and a commitment to our founding ideals that we can safeguard the future of our republic from the grasp of unchecked executive power and irresponsible war-making. Only then can we restore a government that is truly representative of the people, accountable to the nation’s highest values and interests.

Donald C. Bolduc