“Ambition must be made to counter ambition” “Watergate a third-rate break-in” or a Constitutional CrisisNov. 12th and Nov. 14th Until the 1920s congress was the dominant branch. Congress helped FDR out in a crisis, also likeww2, very powerful president as a result. Expansion power If party is internally divided then the president will have more powerUntil 1968- the government was always united because of the ballot, all in the same. Now it has generally been divided government. If they are many moderates, then there is common ground, easier to negotiate. Few moderates…little compromise, gridlock Why is it different- polarization: very conservative or liberal, like this since the civil warProfessionals- been in politics for a while, settle for part of the deal, give up certain things in order to win…then we get what we wantAmateurs- new and idealist, same old stuff, radical change…going to the root, concerned about the idealist purity- tea party- getting things done right Vietnam war- a presidential action- lasted a decade, 1973- Congress passed the war powers act or resolution- the president does have the authority but must get congress within 60 days or bring the troops back. President said its not constitutionalImpounding funds- budget and impound control act in 1974The legislative veto- informal term, simple majority of congress can veto, Myes vs. chata- violates separate powers so unconstitutional, the laws passed were no laws.1980’s- regean presidency, iran gave the money to free the people in nirguaga, violated the war, needs to be impeached, president did not know the laws were broken, not personally involved, Impeachment- ultimate check on any branches, result in removal from office, constitution said judges serve on good behavior. 11 and 7 of them were convicted. For treason (aid to enemies), bribery or other high crimes or misdemeanors…misbeavioring, Lincoln chose a southern democrat to unite the nation, andrew Johnson, the vice president cant fire any cabinets, the house didn’t impeached him by one vote, very weakened president. Cheats on his income taxes( personal) lies under oath in a trial, orders witnesses to be paid up, knows that his aids and assistants are breaking law- constitutional. How involved was him, how strong is the evidence, inthe constitution???Bill Clinton- lied to the American people ( is not illegal), he lied under oath in a trial- purgery,notrelevant to the trial, obstruction of justice. Also destroyed evidence. House controlled byrepublicians, impeached on 2 charges, senate controlled by the republicans, voted on the 2 atricles of impeachment, need 2/3, looks like partnership, WatergateFederalist 52, campaign politics, and the modern presidency, congress and Supreme Court- Im a member congress- house of rep (formal charges?) if yes then senate( guilty?)- Thoughts of impeachment is now common. Back then, impeachment was unthinkable., focus on checks and balances, Nixon was very capable administrator thus important, strong dealings with congress, focusing one scandal and the extent of his involvement - Nixon elected 1968, during the Vietnam war, won in small margin, tries to stop the war. His information with his administration was leaked to the public. So a group was formed to stop the leaks…the plumbers- not illegal. Top assistant made the plumbers to break in someone to stop the info from going to the press- that’s illegal, not without warrant. Also,Nixon reelection campaign, wanted to win ( do what is necessary) that is not ordering a crime. Some people in the committee found a plan. Georgia govern- very liberal. So they wanted to run against him to win. Solution?? Damage the leading democrats hired someone. Now govern is leading-nomination. The re-election campaign kept going. Someone ordered the plumbers to break in the National democratic convention in the Watergate headquarters. Put in listening devices and photograph documents. This was news. The white house said there was no involvement in the case- actually that was a cover up. That is not illegal. They destroyed all evidence related to the case- that is huge problem…destroying evidence is a crime. Members of the whitehouse have lied to the press. The fbi also investigated in the crime but focused on the money. People had hunreddollar bills in their pockets. Nixon refer himself as the president- he talks about the nationPentagon paper involved in the Vietnam