The Executive Branch

In article 2 of the Constitution it spells out the powers of the President and the executive branch. The powers are very limited and the executive branch should be much smaller than it is today.James Madison pointed out that the powers of the federal government are few and the number of individuals employed by the federal government would be much smaller than the number employed by the states.

The President only has power in six areas according to the constitution.
1. He is the chief of state.
2. The commander in chief over the military.
3. The chief executive officer of the executive branch.
4. The chief diplomat in handling foreign relations.
5. The chief architect for legislation.
6. The conscience of the nation in granting pardons or reprieves.

Looking at the executive branch today you can see they have taken over many areas they do not have the authority to manage. They should no be involved in employment issues, education, agriculture, housing, welfare, health, environment, land resources, energy, radio and television, medication and others. These are all issues that should be handled by the states.

Today the executive branch has a lot of power over the states by controlling billions of dollars in government projects that can influence the way congressmen vote if they want the money for their states. The federal agencies also make many regulatory laws that impose their will on the people and the states.

This is one more reason we need to learn more about our constitution. Many parts are being abused or ignored today.