Though the president, during the sitting of the legislature, is assisted by the senate, yet he is without a constitutional council in their recess-he will therefore be unsupported by proper information and advice, and will generally be directed by minions and favorites, or a council of state will grow out of the principal officers of the great departments, the most dangerous council in a free country.
-Antifederalist Papers, Cato IV
Use the quote and your knowledge of U. S. Government and Politics to respond to parts A, B, and C.
A. Describe the viewpoint expressed in the quote.
B. Describe two arguments in Federalist No. 70 that address the concerns expressed in the quote.
c. Explain how two different provisions in Constitution were designed to prevent the concerns expressed in the quote.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
A. Viewpoint Expressed in the Quote
The quote expresses a concern about the potential dangers of a lack of proper counsel for the president during times when the legislature is not in session (i.e., during recess). The writer, “Cato,” worries that without a constitutional council or adequate support from the Senate, the president would be left to make decisions based on advice from less qualified or self-serving individuals, such as “minions and favorites.” This could lead to a concentration of power in the hands of a few, particularly through the formation of a “council of state” composed of principal officers from the executive departments, which could become an undemocratic body exerting unchecked influence over the executive branch. In essence, Cato fears that in the absence of checks and balanced advice from the legislature, the president could become susceptible to manipulation or the formation of an oligarchic system that undermines the principles of democracy and free governance.
B. Two Arguments in Federalist No. 70 Addressing the Concerns
- Energy in the Executive: Federalist No. 70, written by Alexander Hamilton, argues that a strong, energetic executive is necessary for the government to function effectively. Hamilton explains that having a single president with the power to act decisively and without the delays that come with collective decision-making (as in a committee) is essential for maintaining national security and responding to emergencies. He asserts that a single president, rather than a council or group, allows for clear responsibility and swift action. This addresses the concern in the quote by emphasizing that the president must have the authority to act quickly and independently, without reliance on potentially manipulative or self-interested advisors.
- Accountability: Hamilton also argues that a single president ensures greater accountability. In contrast to a collective council or a group of departmental heads, which might be difficult to hold responsible for decisions, a single executive allows the public to clearly identify who is responsible for governmental actions. This is important for a functioning democracy, as citizens can directly hold the president accountable at the ballot box. By concentrating power in the hands of one person, rather than a council, Hamilton suggests that the president will be more answerable to the people, thus preventing the formation of an unaccountable and potentially corrupt decision-making body, as feared by Cato.
C. Two Provisions in the Constitution to Prevent the Concerns
- Separation of Powers: One key provision in the Constitution is the separation of powers, which divides governmental responsibilities among three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. This structure was designed to prevent any one branch, including the executive, from gaining too much power. In response to Cato’s concerns about the president relying on a dangerous council of state, the Constitution establishes a system where the president is kept in check by the legislature and the judiciary, preventing the accumulation of unchecked executive power. The Senate, for example, provides advice and consent on key presidential appointments, and the House of Representatives holds the power of impeachment, ensuring that the president is held accountable.
- Checks and Balances: Another constitutional provision designed to prevent the concentration of power in the executive is the system of checks and balances. This system allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the others. For example, while the president has the power to veto legislation, Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority. Similarly, the judiciary can review executive actions to ensure they align with the Constitution. This system is a safeguard against the president relying solely on a council of state or advisors who may not act in the best interest of the country, as Congress and the courts provide additional oversight and prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Together, these provisions were designed to ensure that no individual, including the president, could operate without proper oversight and guidance, thus addressing the concerns raised by Cato about the president being “unsupported by proper information and advice.”