Quote from Primary Source

Excerpt from The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt pg. 196-197:
"Franklin never resented constructive criticism from the members of Congress. What he did resent was the refusal of certain congressmen to understand the over-all needs of the country, the narrow point of view which let them pit their local interests against the national or international interest."

This quote seemed to embody some of the problems and frustrations that arose as the role of the imperial president expanded during the 20th century. F.D.R. had once been a member of the New York senate, but seems to forget the responsibility that senators have to their respective states once he moved into the role of head of state. Although it may sometimes hurt the national agenda when members of Congress act in regards to “their local interests”, ultimately they have a responsibility to do just that. Elected by the member of their respective states, members of Congress are in the best position to represent and advocate for the interests of the citizens in the states where they were elected. It is understandable that the President of the United States could view members of Congress as refusing to recognize the needs of the country because members of Congress, unlike the President, do not solely have a responsibility to the U.S., but they also have an obligation to advocate for the voters and majority views of their states.