When Leaders Fail: The Struggle for Power in America

Right now, millions of Americans are facing a tough time. About 42 million people might lose food assistance soon. Many of them are kids, seniors, and people with disabilities. Others work but still can't make ends meet. Private charities and some states are trying to help, but the problem is too big for them to handle alone. The federal government needs to step in and fix this. Healthcare is another big issue. Insurance costs are skyrocketing for many Americans. Without action from Congress, millions might lose their health coverage or go into debt trying to pay for it. Looking beyond domestic issues, the current president has been making some controversial moves. He has targeted noncombatants in different regions and even talked about military action in Venezuela. He has also been using private funds to pay soldiers, which raises questions about his authority. All these issues need attention from Congress. But right now, the government is in a shutdown. The House of Representatives is not functioning, and the Senate is barely doing anything. This is a big problem because Congress has a lot of power under the Constitution. It can make laws, declare war, and control spending, among other things. The idea is that Congress is supposed to be a strong branch of government. But lately, it has been weak and unable to tackle big problems. This is not because of a lack of power but because of political choices. Congress has the authority to shape the country's future, but it needs to use its power effectively. Right now, Congress is not doing its job. Instead of leading, it is letting the president take charge. This is a big change from how the government was meant to work. The founders wanted a balance of power, with Congress playing a key role. The current situation is not set in stone. Congress can still step up and take control. It needs to engage with the public and use its power to address the nation's problems. The future of American democracy depends on a strong and active Congress.