28 September 2007

Imbalance of Powers

The United States Constitution, normally a touchstone not only for lawyers but all citizens, residents, and visitors of this country, may seem out-of-touch with reality to immigrants trying to pass their civics test to become naturalized Americans.

One question, for example, asks "What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?"

The real-world answer, in the real world of the Bush executive branch, is of course, "Nothing."

But for wannabe Americans who are better advised to adopt the current Administration's low regard for "reality-based" governance, you should still answer, "Checks and Balances" or "Separation of Powers." And welcome to America.

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