Dan, good on you for suggesting that the question can be answered by the reading of the US Constitution. Every American should read it.

The problem with Congress, Kendall, is that they have been co-opted by corporations who have violated the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Also by former presidents who have done the same. I don't see as how they represent an American Way of Life.

The prognosis for the future is that these corporations will become more global and neoliberal and the rise of the right-wing in Europe is disturbing along with the Democratic capitulation to porous borders and corporate affiliations.

The checks and balances are built into the Constitution. Unfortunately these are trespassed as in the infamous case of Gore V. Bush.

Frank