It seems to me that one reason that Congress is unwilling to effectively confront and check the executive branch when that is necessary is that too many Congressmembers see themselves aiming for the presidency later on -- very arguably a conflict of interest, and very arguably one not adequately prevented by the Founders. Both Congress and the political parties become "presidential" parties, more interested in winning a powerful White House than in being a steadfast legislative branch.
Naturally, I'd appreciate the thoughts of the Speaker of the House on this, and your views on a constitutional amendment that either (1) absolutely forbids those elected to Congress from ever seeking the presidency, or (2) requires some substantial amount of time (say, 10 years) between leaving Congress and being able to take office as President.
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