ABSTRACT
Congress and the president are rivals for political power generally and legislative power in particular. This chapter explores the origins and development of the ambiguous relationship with the presidency and assesses the contemporary balance of power between the two. Article I of the Constitution begins by stating that all legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. The great expansion in bureaucratic structures and responsibilities under Roosevelt thus entailed a significant diminution in the legislative power of Congress relative to that of the presidency. In relation to the presidency, Congress has serious institutional weaknesses which inhibit its ability to provide legislative leadership. These weaknesses stem from disadvantages in both organisation and capacity. Congressional liaison is one of the most important aspects of the modern presidency. Many factors help to explain why Congress supports some presidents more than others.
