Congress Quote by Ross Douthat
“In Barack Obama's second term, with his legislative agenda dead in a Republican-controlled Congress, the president turned to executive unilateralism on an innovative scale.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The New York Times, “Obama’s Executive Power”, 2015
When Congress blocks a president’s agenda, the leader may resort to expansive unilateral actions.
In simple terms: Presidential power expands via executive orders.
Key Takeaway
Assess the balance of power and accountability.
Themes
politics
governance
authority
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
academic
When to use this quote
- policy implementation
- crisis management
- political strategy
Key Concepts
Executive unilateralism
legislative gridlock
Questions to Reflect On
- How should checks and balances adapt?
- What are the long‑term effects on institutions?
A Different Perspective
Unilateral moves can erode democratic norms.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
![“As the longest serving Independent in the history of the United States Congress, as somebody who came into office by defeating an incumbent Democratic mayor in Burlington, Vermont, I know something about third party politics. And I respect Jill [Stein].” quote by Bernie Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/94c/bernie-sanders-233_congress_as-the-longest-serving-independent-in-th_10777.jpg)
