What right does the White House have to keep internal debates secret from Congress?

Question

"It's important for Congress to understand that the information the committee is requesting is highly classified and not information we can make available," said Bush spokesman Tony Fratto. "Also important is for Congress to respect our need to ensure that internal executive branch deliberations are confidential."

It's the second part that I have the biggest problem with.

If you're conservative, would you want Hillary Clinton to have this same right?

I think our government - Democrats and Republicans both - keeps WAY too many secrets from the American people and I don't think that's what the Founding Fathers envisioned.

Answer 1

Separation of powers, and the system of checks and balances, gives the executive branch the right. I think it is necessary to keep one branch from growing too strong, and yes, even if that ol' devil Hillary were in office she should be able to do the same. Read the Federalist 51 for some founding father's views on the matter of separation of powers.

Answer 2

We have always had executive privilege and to open up debate among the advisers to the president would severely erode the three branch system of government we have and overstep the checks and balances we have.
Yes if Hillary was president she has to be given this right, all presidents have had it.
And yes the founding fathers did envision this all you need do is read history as to how Washington limited Congress from hearing reports his Cabinet came up with.

Answer 3

I don't think military discussions should be made public, but policy debates should not be kept secret from the American people.

Answer 4

Should all Congressman and Senators have to give the details of their internal debates to the White House????????

Answer 5

They must have something to hide or they would cooperate fully.