ABSTRACT
A possible constitutional amendment would permit senators and representatives to serve in the executive branch, and thus emphasize cooperation rather than stalemate in Washington and bring a "home town touch" to federal agencies too often isolated in Washington. The amendment would make service in Congress more attractive, and put the emphasis on cooperation, by giving its members a chance at holding posts of executive responsibility without interrupting their congressional careers. Legislators named under the new arrangement to government posts would retain their congressional roles, particularly that of constituent service. The proposed amendment involves an important modification of the constitutional principles, often attributed to Montesquieu, of separation of powers and checks and balances. To give them time for their executive branch duties, they would be excused from congressional committee work. In addition, the time consumed by voting on the floor would be compressed by clustering votes.
