re: Where the Deficit Came From
The President only power in regard to spending is the power to veto any bill (which can then be overrided by Congress). The Congress has the power of the Purse. It's ability to spend or withhold funds is it's main source of power- it can shut down both executive and justice branches or it can "fully fund them". Congress also controls the taxation- source of funding. Congress is the source of deficts or surplus in it's budget.