The Economist.
On the 4th of July, 1776, the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia
approved the Declaration of Independence.
A great liberal experiment, the United States of America was born.
The founders had an idea for a system of government,
three separate branches with checks and balances,
so each could make sure the others didn't overreach.
As America celebrates its big birthday, how's that holding up?
I'm John Prido, and this is Checks and Balance from The Economist.
Each week we take one big theme shaping American politics
and explore it in depth.
Today, 250 years of America.
The Supreme Court is dominated by conservative justices
whose rulings have often served to entrench presidential power.
Congress is mired in dysfunction and gridlock.
Donald Trump is testing the limits of presidential power.
What would the founders make of their creation 250 years on?
How well are America's checks and balances working?
With me this week to discuss and celebrate America turning 250
and to check on the health of those checks and balances