power of the purse – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

The U.S. Constitution’s first three articles are getting a lot of attention these days. giftlegacy, iStock/Getty Images Plus

September 5, 2025

Federal judges are frustrated by defiance from the Trump administration and fuzziness from the Supreme Court

You’re probably hearing references in the news to “Article 1,” “Article 2” and “Article 3.” Why are phrases usually associated with discussions of constitutional law now cropping up in politics?

At his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, Donald Trump swore to ‘preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.’ Morry Gash/POOL/AFP, Getty Images

May 21, 2025

Trump treats laws as obstacles, not limits − and the only real check on his rule‑breaking can come from political pressure

Andrew Reeves, Washington University in St. Louis

The most meaningful check on presidential power in the Trump era will be political. That’s because courts rely on the broader political system for enforcement.

Where did Congress go? Julia Nikhinson/Bloomberg Creative via Getty Images

May 15, 2025

Congress began losing power decades ago − and now it’s giving away what remains to Trump

Charlie Hunt, Boise State University

Congress − the first branch of government listed in the Constitution − has been relegated to second-class status.

Congress has the authority to spend the nation’s money. Presidents try to get around that limitation. ATU Images-The Image Bank/Getty Images

February 14, 2025

Congress, not the president, decides on government spending − a constitutional law professor explains how the ‘power of the purse’ works

Zachary Price, University of California College of the Law, San Francisco

Congress has the authority to control government expenditures. Donald Trump is the latest president to try to get around that power, as he slashes government programs and staff.

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