The Framers’ Expectations The Founding Era fear of tyranny on the one hand & anarchy on the other hand Shays’ Rebellion (1786-1787) The Constitutional Convention in the State House in Philadelphia Solutions to prevent tyranny = system of checks and balances, separation of powers within and across levels of government (the “Madisonian Democracy”) Indirect elections (senate and president) and varying terms Senators chosen by popular votes only after the 17th Amendment in 1913 Power derived from the Constitution

Achieving Balance I A two-year term for the House a compromise between the annual elections advocated by many delegates and the three-year term proposed by James Madison  A short tenure would keep this chamber close to the people A longer-term and “staggered elections” for the Senate The Senate insulated from momentary shifts in the public mood by virtue of a longer term, in addition to their selection by state legislatures www.senate.gov Another compromise on bills raising revenue

Achieving Balance II “Advice and consent power” by the U.S. Senate To a degree, the Framers envisioned the Senate acting as an advisory council to the president. Framers’ belief that the more “aristocratic” and insulated of the two houses would keep a steadier eye on the country’s long-term interests. "Why did you pour that coffee into your saucer?" asked Washington. "To cool it," said Jefferson. "Even so," responded Washington, "we pour legislation into the senatorial saucer to cool it.“ Now, also polarized politics in the Senate!

Achieving Balance III Finally, the president was used as a means to further the balance of power by giving the executive branch the authority to: Recommend (not introduce) new laws (Ex: Obama’s American Jobs Bill) Call Congress into special session Most importantly, the power to veto laws passed by Congress, killing them unless two-thirds of each chamber votes to override the veto “veto threat” vs. “veto”: what’s more effective?