As an up-and-coming young lawyer in the White House counsel's office from 1982 to 1986, John G. Roberts Jr. weighed in on some of the most controversial issues facing the Reagan administration, balancing conservative ideology with a savvy political pragmatism and a confidence that belied his years....
In 1983, the Supreme Court struck down laws that contained provisions for Congress to veto actions taken by executive departments and agencies. [Rep. Elliott Levitas (D-Ga.)] wanted to meet with [President] Reagan to determine "the manner of power sharing and accountability within in the federal government." The request offended Roberts's notion of the proper separation of powers.
"There already has, of course, been a 'Conference on Power Sharing,' " Roberts wrote, sarcastically referring to the convention at which the Constitution was drafted. "It took place in Philadelphia's Constitution Hall in 1787, and someone should tell Levitas about it and the 'report' it issued."
(Thanks to The Supreme Court Nomination Blog for the pointer.)
