At this time the executive and legislative branches are under the management of different political parties.  This fact places both parties on trial before the American people.

In less perilous days of the past, division of governmental responsibility among our great parties has produced a paralyzing indecision.  We must not let this happen in our time.  We must avoid a paralysis of the will for peace and international security.

In the traditionally bipartisan areas—­military security and foreign relations—­I can report to you that I have already, with the leaders of this Congress, expressed assurances of unreserved cooperation.  Yet, the strength of our country requires more than mere maintenance of military strength and success in foreign affairs; these vital matters are in turn dependent upon concerted and vigorous action in a number of supporting programs.  I say, therefore, to the 84th Congress: 

In all areas basic to the strength of America, there will be—­to the extent I can insure them—­cooperative, constructive relations between the Executive and Legislative Branches of this government.  Let the general good be our yardstick on every great issue of our time.

Our efforts to defend our freedom and to secure a just peace are, of course, inseparable from the second great purpose of our government:  to help maintain a strong, growing economy—­an economy vigorous and free, in which there are ever-increasing opportunities, just rewards for effort, and a stable prosperity that is widely shared.

In the past two years, many important governmental Actions helped our economy adjust to conditions of peace; these and other actions created a climate for renewed economic growth.  Controls were removed from wages, prices and materials.  Tax revisions encouraged increased private spending and employment.  Federal expenditures were sharply reduced, making possible a record tax cut.  These actions, together with flexible monetary and debt management policies, helped to halt inflation and stabilize the value of the dollar.  A program of cooperation and partnership in resource development was begun.  Social security and unemployment insurance laws were broadened and strengthened.  New laws started the long process of balancing farm production with farm markets.  Expanded shipbuilding and stockpiling programs strengthened key sectors of the economy, while improving our mobilization base.  A comprehensive new housing law brought impressive progress in an area fundamental to our economic strength and closed loopholes in the old laws permitting dishonest manipulation.  Many of these programs are just beginning to exert their main stimulating effect upon the economy generally and upon specific communities and industries throughout the country.

The past year—­1954—­was one of the most prosperous years in our history.  Business activity now surges with new strength.  Production is rising.  Employment is high.  Toward the end of last year average weekly wages in manufacturing were higher than ever before.  Personal income after taxes is at a record level.  So is consumer spending.  Construction activity is reaching new peaks.  Export demand for our goods is strong.  State and local government expenditures on public works are rising.  Savings are high, and credit is readily available.