Continuity and Change in Institutions: An Example and Implications and Implications

Abstract

The nature and function of institutions in society have come under renewed debate in recent years. How institutions are related to historic events and to stresses in social groups, as well as how they gain legitimacy and in what contexts they change have come into focus. This article presents an example from the history of the United States of America in its formative years while engaging threats to its survival. The idea of Presidential prerogatives and “executive privilege” regarding Congress and oversight began during a crisis. This example became a central issue in recent American political discussions on presidential overreach.