V. Systematizing Congressional Control

Extract

Ours is a government of “checks and balances.” It is the traditional concept which Montesquieu propounded in saying: “There can be no liberty where the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or body of magistrates.” One of the knottiest problems in the science of democratic government is that of reducing this basic theory of separated powers to a workable and efficient system. It requires the establishment of a proper balance, and devices of coördination that facilitate action but do not disturb the balance of powers. It also requires formal methods of procedure.