An Epic Court Decision

Out of an obscure case, a reshaping of the powers of Congress and President

If even no propensity had ever discovered itself in the Legislative body to invade the rights of the Executive, the rules of just reasoning. . . would of themselves teach us that the one ought not to be left at the mercy of the other.

—Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist, 1788

As Hamilton urged, the Constitution provided a presidential veto power so that no Executive would be left at the mercy of any Congress. The veto clause was, by John Adams' proud...