The framers of the Constitution gave Congress the power to create a budget and allocate spending primarily to ensure a system of checks and balances and to promote accountability and representation. Here are several reasons why this decision was made:
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Representation: Congress is composed of elected representatives who are accountable to their constituents. This structure ensures that budgetary decisions reflect the interests and needs of the public, as representatives can more directly gauge the priorities of their voters compared to appointed officials or the president.
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Checks and Balances: By granting the power of the purse to Congress, the framers aimed to prevent tyranny and abuse of power. This system allows Congress to oversee and limit the executive branch's actions through budgetary control. If spending decisions were left to the executive branch, it could lead to unchecked power and potential misuse of funds.
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Deliberation and Debate: Congress, as a larger body, is designed for debate and deliberation over spending priorities. This process encourages a variety of perspectives and thorough discussion, contributing to more considered and potentially more equitable fiscal decisions.
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Separation of Powers: The allocation of spending is a significant aspect of governance, and separating it from the executive branch helps maintain the distinct roles of each branch of government. It prevents any one branch from consolidating too much power and ensures that the government operates as a collaborative entity.
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Historical Precedent: The founders were influenced by their experiences under British rule, where the monarchy had significant control over finance. They wanted to create a system that would prevent a similar concentration of power in the hands of a single entity.
Overall, by assigning budget and spending powers to Congress, the framers sought to create a more democratic system that promotes accountability, representation, and checks against potential abuses of power.
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