Analyzing Constitutional Dysfunction: Congressional Lawsuits and Power Separation

Jasmine Farrier's groundbreaking work, "Constitutional Dysfunction on Trial," offers a fresh perspective on the flaws within the American federal system. By delving beyond partisan narratives, Farrier uncovers a bipartisan imbalance of power that hampers public discourse and accountability, especially concerning war powers. Through a focus on congressional lawsuits challenging presidential overreach, Farrier provides a new lens to diagnose the enduring institutional challenges that have eroded the separation of powers over the past fifty years. This analysis spans a range of partisan and policy landscapes, shedding light on the core issues at play.

Member lawsuits serve as a platform for disgruntled individuals unable to address excessive presidential actions through standard legislative channels. Yet, these legal actions often result in unintended consequences, further weakening Congress. Jasmine Farrier highlights that these lawsuits reflect underlying constitutional issues rather than offering solutions. The dysfunction within the constitutional framework indicates that federal judges alone cannot rectify the imbalance of powers. It is evident that a half-century of congressional stagnation cannot be resolved in the courtroom.