Separation of Powers in Practice
Author: Thomas Campbell
Publisher: Stanford University Press
Published: 2004
Total Pages: 248
ISBN-13: 0804750270
DOWNLOAD EBOOKEach branch of American government possesses inherent advantages and disadvantages in structure. In this book, the author relies on a separation-of-powers analysis that emphasizes the advantage of the legislature to draft precise words to fit intended situations, the judiciarys advantage of being able to do justice in an individual case, and the executives homogeneity and flexibility, which best suits it to decisions of an ad hoc nature. Identifying these structural abilities, the author analyzes major public policy issues, including gun control, flag burning, abortion, civil rights, war powers, suing the President, legislative veto, the exclusionary rule, and affirmative action. Each issue is examined not from the point of view of determining the right outcome, but with the intention of identifying the branch of government most appropriate for making the decision.