Midterm Massacre Reveals the Drawbacks of Unilateral Executive Actions

In Federalist No. 62, the author, likely James Madison, describes the advantages of dividing legislative power between the House and Senate by stating, “No law or resolution can now be passed without the concurrence, first, of a majority of the people, and then, of a majority of the States.”

As we’ve evolved as a nation, the system has migrated away from this idea in a number of ways. One major change came when the Constitution was amended so that senators were no longer appointed by state legislatures but rather elected. Additionally, as Washington became bigger and more powerful, legislative elections became more nationalized, and lawmakers shifted toward becoming more loyal to their parties than their region.

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Philip Klein

Philip Klein is the editor of National Review Online.

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In Federalist No. 62, the author, likely James Madison, describes the advantages of dividing legislative power between the House and Senate by stating, “No law or resolution can now be passed without the concurrence, first, of a majority of the people, and then, of a majority of the States.”

As we’ve evolved as a nation, the system has migrated away from this idea in a number of ways. One major change came when the Constitution was amended so that senators were no longer appointed by state legislatures but rather elected. Additionally, as Washington became bigger and more powerful, legislative elections became more nationalized, and lawmakers shifted toward becoming more loyal to their parties than their region.