Separation of powers : how to preserve liberty in troubled times
Description
Cass R. SUNSTEIN. Separation of powers : how to preserve liberty in troubled times. Cambridge, Massachusetts : The MIT Press, 2026, 175p.
In this essential and immensely timely book, Separation of Powers, Cass Sunstein explains why the separation of powers is necessary for both freedom and self-government. He shows that freedom from fear is a central goal of the separation of powers. He also explains why the executive branch is the most dangerous branch, why the idea of presidential immunity is a terrible one, and why an independent juciciary is crucial. Drawing on this extensive experience in the White House, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security, the author also argues that the separation of powers is, in fact, six separations of powers : 1. The legislature may not exercise the executive power -- 2. The legislature may not exercise the judicial power -- 3. The executive may not exercise the legislative power -- 4. The executive may not exercise the judicial power -- 5. The judiciary may not exercise the legislative power -- 6. The judiciary may not exercise the executive power. Each of these is essential to liberty under law.
In this essential and immensely timely book, Separation of Powers, Cass Sunstein explains why the separation of powers is necessary for both freedom and self-government. He shows that freedom from fear is a central goal of the separation of powers. He also explains why the executive branch is the most dangerous branch, why the idea of presidential immunity is a terrible one, and why an independent juciciary is crucial. Drawing on this extensive experience in the White House, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security, the author also argues that the separation of powers is, in fact, six separations of powers : 1. The legislature may not exercise the executive power -- 2. The legislature may not exercise the judicial power -- 3. The executive may not exercise the legislative power -- 4. The executive may not exercise the judicial power -- 5. The judiciary may not exercise the legislative power -- 6. The judiciary may not exercise the executive power. Each of these is essential to liberty under law.