“It is the duty of the President to propose and it is the privilege of the Congress to dispose.”
- January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945
- American
- Politician
- [Achievements]
- As president of the United States, he promoted economic recovery from the Great Depression with the New Deal policy
- He led the Allied powers to victory in World War II
- [Criticism]
- His hard-line policy toward Japan triggered the attack on Pearl Harbor
- He pushed for the forced internment policy of Japanese Americans due to racist feelings toward the Japanese
- He promoted the Manhattan Project, a plan to develop the atomic bomb
Quote
“It is the duty of the President to propose and it is the privilege of the Congress to dispose.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt outlines the distinct roles and responsibilities of the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government. Roosevelt emphasizes that while the President has the responsibility to propose policies and initiatives, it is Congress that holds the authority to approve, modify, or reject those proposals. This statement underscores the system of checks and balances built into the U.S. Constitution, which ensures that no single branch of government holds too much power. The President, as the head of the executive branch, can suggest laws, budgets, and initiatives, but it is the elected representatives in Congress who have the final say on whether these ideas become law.
Roosevelt’s words also highlight the collaborative and sometimes contentious relationship between the President and Congress. Throughout his presidency, Roosevelt often worked with Congress to push through his ambitious New Deal programs, but he also faced resistance from lawmakers who opposed some of his proposals. His statement reflects a respect for the constitutional division of powers, acknowledging that while the President plays an active role in shaping policy, it is ultimately the legislative branch that decides the fate of those proposals.
In modern political discourse, this quote continues to reflect the ongoing balance of power between the President and Congress. For instance, in recent years, there have been debates over the President’s use of executive orders or unilateral actions versus Congress’s authority to pass legislation. Roosevelt’s statement reinforces the idea that the President’s proposals are just the beginning of the legislative process and that the role of Congress is critical in ensuring democratic oversight and the fair representation of the people’s will. It is a reminder that policy-making in a democracy is meant to be a joint effort, requiring collaboration and sometimes negotiation between the branches of government.
