ABSTRACT
An anti-leadership system was established by the framers, a system which—except under crisis and/or national security matters—limits and inhibits presidential power and leadership. The government established by the framers placed congressional power above presidential power. Early presidents—contend with Congress from a position of relative weakness—often engaged in a form of institutional asymmetrical warfare. Many scholars point directly to the handiwork of James Madison and the creation of the separation-of-powers. The Framers feared centralized executive power and wanted to enchain the new executive in a web of laws and constraints that, while limiting leadership opportunities, protected freedom and liberty. Rather than lighting the torch of leadership presidents have produced the dim bulb of disappointment or failure. If the president seeks the protective cover of the blame game so too does the Congress.
