In Mr. Barr's recent speech he provided an originalist description of the separation of powers along with the history that led to that particular design in our Constitution.
The British monarch was once the supreme ruler of Britain, but over the centuries the power of the monarch was eroded to the point were Parliament became the ruling entity.
The founding fathers of the U.S. saw that and made something of a compromise -- there would be three co-equal branches. While many of us thought the legislature had relinquished much of its power to the executive in the previous administration. The legislature came roaring back in the Trump administration as they tried to thwart every one of Trump's initiatives, tried to block all of Trump's appointments, and are now trying to boot him out of the office.
Here's a snippet from the speech:
The fact of the matter is that, in waging a scorched earth, no-holds-barred war of “Resistance” against this Administration, it is the Left that is engaged in the systematic shredding of norms and the undermining of the rule of law. This highlights a basic disadvantage that conservatives have always had in contesting the political issues of the day. It was adverted to by the old, curmudgeonly Federalist, Fisher Ames, in an essay during the early years of the Republic.
In any age, the so-called progressives treat politics as their religion. Their holy mission is to use the coercive power of the State to remake man and society in their own image, according to an abstract ideal of perfection. Whatever means they use are therefore justified because, by definition, they are a virtuous people pursing a deific end. They are willing to use any means necessary to gain momentary advantage in achieving their end, regardless of collateral consequences and the systemic implications. They never ask whether the actions they take could be justified as a general rule of conduct, equally applicable to all sides.
Mr. Barr's speech is a good one and can be heard at this C-Span link or read at this justice.gov link
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3:55 PM 11/18/2019
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