In the history of American governance there has been a competence between the legislative and executive powers. Imperial presidency and imperial congress are coined in his occasion. For example at the end of Vietnam War, congress tried to practice a stronger control and limitation on the White House. Micro-managing the domestic and foreign policies, committees to impose rules and regulations and refusing presidents appointees on ideological grounds were among congress’ attempts. (McKay,CAPS 55).
Constitutionally congress is appointed to maintain all the legislative power, declare wars and ratify treaties and finally, specifically senate is empowered to ratify treatise and approve appointments by the president (McKayAPS 129-130).
In the latter case for example, congress rejected largely the president’s appointees on ideological or partisan reasons. In case of committees in 1950s, the McCarthy committee, famous as the red-baiter, went too far to recognize the communist figures not only in government but in the national scene. In recent years the senate select committee on campaign practices, earning national attention for its inquiries in the Watergate scandal. In 1987, the Reagan administration was investigated for Iran-contra affair. In this case the executive branch had unilaterally entered a process which needed congress’ approval. Again there has been an investigation on President Clinton and his wife’s involvement in Whitewater property Company. In recent years congress has claimed executive privilege to certain information, however on no clear constitutional status.
Congress also uses impeachments on the executive officials. Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton were the presidents who were impeached but not convicted; however, Nixon resigned before impeachment.
Historically the first congressional investigation took place in 1792, on the disastrous expedition led by General Arthur st. Clair against Shawnee and Miami Indians in which 657 American troops were killed (answeres.com/topic/congressional-investigations).
During 19th cent congressional investigations on Civil War, Ku Klux Klan, purchase of Alaska, some rail road scandals like Credit Mobilier took place. In 1923, investigations on Teapot Dome scandal sent the secretary of interior of President Harding in prison and discredited his administration. As mentioned before, Watergate, Sam Ervin, McCarthy and Wall Street investigations are among the most important congressional attempts to limit the government.
Constitutionally congress is appointed to maintain all the legislative power, declare wars and ratify treaties and finally, specifically senate is empowered to ratify treatise and approve appointments by the president (McKayAPS 129-130).
In the latter case for example, congress rejected largely the president’s appointees on ideological or partisan reasons. In case of committees in 1950s, the McCarthy committee, famous as the red-baiter, went too far to recognize the communist figures not only in government but in the national scene. In recent years the senate select committee on campaign practices, earning national attention for its inquiries in the Watergate scandal. In 1987, the Reagan administration was investigated for Iran-contra affair. In this case the executive branch had unilaterally entered a process which needed congress’ approval. Again there has been an investigation on President Clinton and his wife’s involvement in Whitewater property Company. In recent years congress has claimed executive privilege to certain information, however on no clear constitutional status.
Congress also uses impeachments on the executive officials. Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton were the presidents who were impeached but not convicted; however, Nixon resigned before impeachment.
Historically the first congressional investigation took place in 1792, on the disastrous expedition led by General Arthur st. Clair against Shawnee and Miami Indians in which 657 American troops were killed (answeres.com/topic/congressional-investigations).
During 19th cent congressional investigations on Civil War, Ku Klux Klan, purchase of Alaska, some rail road scandals like Credit Mobilier took place. In 1923, investigations on Teapot Dome scandal sent the secretary of interior of President Harding in prison and discredited his administration. As mentioned before, Watergate, Sam Ervin, McCarthy and Wall Street investigations are among the most important congressional attempts to limit the government.
CAPS: controversies in American politics and society by David McKay
APS:American politics and society by David Mckay
No comments:
Post a Comment