Trump v. Slaughter · ¶219

Responsiveness and responsibility are certainly valuable, but they are not the only values countenanced by our Constitution. Others are the continuity and stability of Government, see, e.g., The Federalist No. 77, at 458 (explaining that limitations on removal would prevent the “violent or . . . general . . . revolution in the officers of the government” at every election), and the impartiality and fair administration of justice, see, e.g., 1 Annals of Cong. 612 (Madison) (arguing that some executive officials with judicial functions “ought to hold . . . office by such a tenure as will make him responsible to the public generally,” not just the President). Depending on the situation, one value or another may be more or less important. Today, the majority places accountability to the President above all else.

slip opinion, revised 7/07/26
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