If partisan animosity prevails over mutual toleration, those in control of congress may prioritize defense of the president over the performance of their constitutional duties. In an effort to stave off opposition victory, they may abandon their oversight role, enabling the president to get away with abusive, illegal, and even authoritarian acts. Such a transformation from watchdog into lapdog--think of Peron's acquiescent congress in Argentina or the chavista supreme court in Venezuela--can be an important enabler of authoritarian rule.