This paper explains that the constitutional system of checks and balances has served the country well over the years, notwithstanding
its original intent to avoid
majoritarian power. The author points out that the amount of power wielded by one branch of the federal
government compared to the others has tended to swing from one extreme to another, expanding in scope and power until brought under control by the checks and balances of the others. The paper relates that, since 9/11, the president has emerged as the temporary heavyweight champion among the three branches of government today; however, when the real and perceived threats to the nation's interests have been resolved, it would seem certain that the system of checks and balances would provide the impetus needed to once again diminish the powers of an "imperial presidency".