Editorial: The New York Times

• The balance of power between branches of U.S. government, established by the Constitution, appears more vulnerable than in generations.
• President Trump is trying to expand his authority beyond the scope of the law, reducing the ability of other branches to check his excesses.
• Currently, Trump and his associates are stress-testing the Constitution and the nation to an extent not seen since the Civil War.
• Trump's actions include flouting multiple federal laws and abusing presidential powers in ways that undermine the constitutional order.
• Most of those tasked with oversight, such as Congress and Republican leaders, are not taking action to limit Trump's power.
• The only body actively checking the excesses of this overreaching presidency is the federal courts.
• Refusal to obey a Supreme Court ruling would mark the moment when America's constitutional order completely fails.

Conclusion: Even though a full constitutional crisis may not have been reached, the need to uphold the balance of power and rule of law is critical for the continuation of American democracy.

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