New Analysis Urges Congress to Act on Presidential Power, Citing Vulnerabilities in National Security and Freedom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEri

​San Diego, CA – May 3, 2025 – Based on recent events and a recent analysis by Dickson (2024) highlights the urgent need for Congress and the other branches of government to strengthen checks on presidential power, particularly in the critical area of national security and the use of military on U.S. soil and against civilians.

The analysis, draws on the enduring principles of the Supreme Court's landmark case, Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer, which established important limits on executive authority. It argues that while the President holds significant national security powers, the Youngstown framework provides a vital blueprint for preventing potential overreach and safeguarding against a "rogue President." According to the analysis, a "balanced institutional" approach is essential to recognize the inherent boundaries of executive power and the importance of historical norms, especially when a President may be unwilling to adhere to traditional restraints. "This is a critical moment, given the current fragility of rule-of-law norms," the analysis states. It emphasizes that while no single solution can entirely prevent authoritarianism, enacting more legal constraints makes it significantly more difficult for executive power to go unchecked and empowers government officials to uphold the rule of law.

The analysis underscores the crucial role of U.S. citizens in this effort. As one of the three branches empowered to strengthen these safeguards, Congress holds a vital responsibility to enact laws and exercise oversight to limit executive power in the national security arena.

The analysis concludes by emphasizing that citizens must actively engage with their representatives in Congress. By contacting their members of Congress, citizens can voice their concerns, advocate for necessary reforms, and press for the legislative action required to build robust guardrails against potential executive overreach and protect the rule of law for future generations.

Take Action Now! Contact your U.S. Representatives and Senators to urge them to strengthen checks on presidential power in national security. Read more on Military Use on Civilians - The Dangers of a U.S. President Becoming a Dictator.