Presidential Accountability

Archive Report

Concern Over Acccount Ability Question

Conflict with Congress Over Exersice of Power

At the heart of the current contest between the President and Congress is the question of accountability—specifically the accountability of those who govern to those who are governed in a democratic society. Critics of Richard M. Nixon contend that he is assuming powers that rightfully belong to the legislative branch of government, the branch most open to public scrutiny in its day-to-day deliberations and hence most accountable to the voter in its actions.

The decisions of Congress are reached by a protracted process involving public hearings and debates that keep the channels of popular pressure open for many weeks and months while proposed legislation is being considered. Final determination of policy is usually the product ...

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