Article I of the Constitution: Shrinking Congressional Power | TFAD Webinar

The U.S. Constitution separates the federal government into three distinct, co-equal branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. This system, known as the separation of powers, was designed by the framers to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful. Article 1 of the Constitution sets forth the powers of Congress which include spending, the power to declare war, and the use of the military. Congress's power has been diminishing for decades, ceding authority to the executive branch in areas like foreign policy, national security, and fiscal policy. This trend has been exacerbated by rising political polarization, legislative gridlock, and a growing emphasis on partisan messaging over substantive lawmaking. This panel will discuss both the root causes and the implications of this erosion of Congressional power. Featured Speakers: Congressman Richard Gephardt – former House Majority Leader Congressman Charles Dent Mary Smith – former President, American Bar Association and Director, Task Force for American Democracy