Congress And The Separation of Powers

Undergraduate / Graduate

This seminar examines the unique role that Congress plays in America's constitutional design. Assigned readings will explore how Congress has historically worked to balance power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and whether (or to what extent) shifts in the balance of power between the branches are the result of worrisome legislative dynamics. Over the course of the quarter, we will also consider how Congress shapes the composition and size of the judicial branch, checks the executive branch through nominations, appointments, and investigation, and mediates disputes between the courts and presidents.