It s difficult not to be impressed by Wills s prolificacy. He has written books on everyone from Saint Augustine to John Wayne, authoring studies of Macbeth and The Federalist Papers to boot. A History of American Distrust of Government is a problematic book. I too decline this task. But just as a broken watch is right twice a day, Wills hits upon some truths in A Necessary Evil .
Legislative supremacy is a conspicuous and key component of American government.
Indeed, the presidential and judicial misconduct so rampant in recent years would have been impossible if Congress asserted its authority. And we also have a supine legislature ultimately responsible for these usurpations. They are all contingent upon congressional countenance, tacit or otherwise. Neither of the other two branches can touch a member of the Congress. Of course, it s ludicrous to suggest that Congress invoke its mandate and restore the rule of law.