When the US Constitution was written the founders were concerned about power and in particular the power to tax. The power to tax was made legislation, and given to the House of Representatives. Only the House can originate revenue bills. The Senate, the President, and the Supreme Court were then to act as checks on the rule of the majority.

The bodies of government were not and have never been equal. Over time their relative power shifts. Over time with ICBM nuclear missiles and a highly interconnected world, power has shifted to the presidency. No longer is the House the powerful body, or even the Congress; but rather the presidency. Watergate, was a minor set back in the presidency accumulating power. While most of the losses due to Watergate were regained during the Reagan presidency with Iran / Contra being forgiven by those who were unwilling to confront Reagan for the good of the nation, Iran / Contra represented a dramatic increment in presidential power and a loss of power for the Congress.

When Bush became president there was a minor blemish on the power shift, but that was over the President receiving a blowjob, not matters of public concern. President Clinton's effective use of presidential powers in Bosnia actually broadened presidential prerogatives rather than diminish them. The abuse of power that started on 9/11 has put the Constitution in Crisis.

Unless the House impeaches President Bush, power will have shifted to the next president. This will be the Democrats mark on the world. A constitution with King President. No matter who is president, this is unconscionable. Investigative hearings into the many abuses, both small and large of power by President Bush and Vice President Cheney is necessary.