Our founders were students of history. The separation of powers is intended to prevent despots from rising to power. Madison wrote, “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.” The GOP’s cowardice is striking because Congress’ power is neutralized, making Trump an autocrat.
“The interest of humans, must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government.”
“If humans were angels, no government would be necessary.”
”In a single republic, all the power surrendered by the people, is submitted to the administration of a single government; and the usurpations are guarded against, by a division of government into distinct and separate branches.”
This partly is necessary “to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers.”
The Federalist, No. 51 (James Madison)
The Federalist, No. 51 (James Madison)
