ABSTRACT
Institutional conflict is built into the American political system. Conflict is both unavoidable and intentional, because many actors with many varied interests have their hands in the process. Congress and the president must cooperate to some extent if the nation’s security is to be maintained. The president must sign, or at least not veto, legislation if it is to become law. Within Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate have to agree if a bill is to be enacted. In each house, the legislative and appropriations committees need to coordinate their work if programs are to be effective and supported financially. The process includes countless opportunities to delay or block action. Little can get done, even in an area as important as national security, without agreement among the branches of government. Coordination requires bargaining, eventually leading to compromise.
