Why did congress feel that construction was a confessional task and not a presidential task?

To understand why Congress felt that construction was a congressional task rather than a presidential task, we need to look at the constitutional powers and responsibilities of each branch of government in the United States.

1. Separation of Powers: The United States government is structured with a system of checks and balances involving three separate branches - the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This separation of powers ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful.

2. Legislative Branch: Congress, which is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is responsible for making laws. The Constitution grants Congress the power to legislate, including authorizing and appropriating funds for various purposes.

3. Executive Branch: The President is the head of the executive branch and is responsible for executing and enforcing laws. The President's powers are enumerated in the Constitution and include the role of commander-in-chief, representing the nation in foreign affairs, and administering the government.

4. The Necessary and Proper Clause: The Constitution contains a clause, known as the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18), which gives Congress the authority to make laws that are deemed necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

Given this framework, Congress felt that the power to authorize and appropriate funds for construction projects fell under its purview. The rationale is that Congress, as the legislative branch, has the authority to determine how taxpayer money should be spent, including on infrastructure projects such as construction.

Additionally, there is often a belief that decisions regarding public spending and allocation of resources should involve the democratic process of debate and deliberation in Congress. This ensures that representatives of the people have a say in how taxpayer dollars are spent and can prioritize projects based on the needs and interests of their constituents.

It's important to note that the division of powers between Congress and the President can sometimes be a matter of interpretation and political debate, and there may be differing views on where certain responsibilities lie. However, the constitutional principles and concepts described above provide a general framework for understanding why Congress may have asserted its role in construction projects as a legislative rather than an executive responsibility.