Question

multiple choice question
the most fundamental source of tension between the president and congress is
o due to the unintended consequence of the design of the constitution
due to the checks and balances that are built into the separation of powers system
due to the internal organization of congress
due solely to partisanship

Explanation:

To determine the answer, we analyze each option:

• The first option says "unintended consequence", but the separation of powers and checks - balances were intentional in the Constitution's design, so this is incorrect.
• The second option: The US Constitution established a system of separation of powers with checks and balances. The president (executive branch) and Congress (legislative branch) have different powers and also the ability to check each other's power. This creates an inherent tension as they have overlapping responsibilities and the need to balance each other, which is the fundamental source of tension between them.
• The third option: The internal organization of Congress relates more to how Congress operates within itself (like committees, party leadership) rather than the fundamental tension between the president and Congress, so this is not correct.
• The fourth option: Partisanship (political party differences) is a factor, but it is not the most fundamental source. The constitutional system of separation of powers and checks - balances is more fundamental as it exists regardless of party dynamics.

Answer:

B. due to the checks and balances that are built into the separation of powers system