POL 101W Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Imperial Presidency, Executive Privilege, Maurice Duverger
3 Oct 2016
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System of governing in which president & congress each separately derive authority from being elected by people & have fixed term of office. In view of james madison, tyranny could be prevented by separating power of gov into diff institutions each independent of others. Argued that ambition must be made to counteract ambition . Executive, legislative, judicial branches of gov separate from each other. Checks and balances - basic principle of american presidential system. Each of 3 branches of gov is able to check actions of others so that no individual/institution becomes too powerful. Executive does not need to maintain support of legislature to remain in office. Both president & congress have fixed terms of office. President & executive branch tends to be dominant in countries w/ presidential systems other than u. s. Both head of state & head of government. Carries out ceremonial duties associated w/ head of state. Exercises control over public service & foreign policy.
