Story perspectives

Congress Weakens Itself Amid Longest Shutdown in History

11/10/2025

44 7

Summary

Story summary

Congress has ceded constitutional powers to the executive branch, weakening its governing role.
This trend traces to political nationalization over 50 years, shifting focus from local issues to national party agendas.
The ongoing government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history—illustrates Congress's failure to assert itself.
With the House in recess for more than 40 days, local concerns remain unaddressed, fueling accountability questions under a more powerful presidency.

1 of 1

Story summary

Congress has ceded constitutional powers to the executive branch, weakening its governing role.
This trend traces to political nationalization over 50 years, shifting focus from local issues to national party agendas.
The ongoing government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history—illustrates Congress's failure to assert itself.
With the House in recess for more than 40 days, local concerns remain unaddressed, fueling accountability questions under a more powerful presidency.