An equivalent behavior threatens the presidency. The founders expected that presidents would act with energy, but that they would also show deference. There would be clashes, but a virtuous president would abide by the spirit of the balance. In this conception of the office, the president would be an advocate for his branch, but also a steward of the larger separation of powers system. When another player cried foul, the president would not press his interest to the maximum extent. This would keep the pickup game going.
