Original scientific paper
Executive-Legislative Relationships in the Political System of the U.S.A.
Štefica Deren-Antoljak
; Faculty of Political Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The author analyzes the constitutional separation of power as devised by the creators of the American Constitution. Although the legislative, executive and judicial power are separate so that none of them posseses exclusive governing power and all find expression in particular institutions which on principle are independent in terms of organization and functioning, the separation involves mutual control and thus mutual limitation (the check and balances system). However, during the current the separation of power as devised by the creators of the American Constitution has been upset through the strenthening and even domination of the executive power.
The author analyzes the changes in the executive-legislative relationship that have taken place in recent years and which have substantially influenced the shifting of the gravity center towards executive power. She shows however that Congress continues to play an enormous and vital role in the passing of laws and in representing public opinion. Further, Congress continues to be an efficient barrier against the domination of executive power although it has ceded its role as initiator to others. The relationships between the President and Congress in current American society are based on the entanglement and mutual dependence of executive and legislative power.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
113008
URI
Publication date:
2.3.1992.
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