POLS 110 Lecture Notes - Leap Year, Westminster System
20 Jul 2013
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Separates the responsibilities: president proposes, congress disposes: only congress can tax and approve spending, only president can spend money approved by congress. Us constitution has a tendency to struggle. Equalize power of all three branches, distribute power equal. Different terms: president: 4 years, once renewable. 22nd amendment: senate: 6 years, renewable, representatives: 2 years, renewable, supreme court: appointed for life. Ensures that you never get a cohort that can be thrown out. British: can have whole scale change (in seats) Different electoral timetables: elections every 2 years. Symbolic relationship: no branch can act without approval of other branches: president cannot govern without approval of congress, congress cannot legislate without approval of president, president cannot stop a determined congress. Line item veto (must veto entire bill) Veto override congress override president with 2/3 majority in representatives and senate. President appoints supreme court justices, but congress must approve them. President is commander in chief but only congress may declare war.
