Federal interbranch Relationship

Question 1

Expenditure of funds

Answer 1

When Congress explicitly mandates an expenditure of funds, the President has no constitutional power to impound those funds (i.e., refuse to spend them or delay the spending). Consequently, although Congress has provided a statutory means by which the President can request that Congress rescind an appropriation of funds, because Congress did not act on that request, the President is constitutionally required to expend the congressionally mandated funds.

Question 2

Judge absolute immunity rule

Answer 2

A judge is absolutely immune from civil liability for damages resulting from her judicial acts unless it is clear that the judge did not have jurisdiction.

even when they are done with malice.