I. Executive-Legislative Relations
A. Separation of Functions - Presidential Variety
B. Fusion of Functions - Parliamentary Variety
II. Presidential Executives
A. Characteristics
1. Separate Election
2. Specific Term of Office
3. Government Head
4. Chief of State
B. Advantages
1. Popular mandate
2. Elevated prestige
3. Decisive leadership
4. Unified leadership
III. Parliamentary Systems
A. Characteristics
1. Election by legislation
2. Indeterminate term of office
3. Collective leadership
4. Head of govt.
B. Advantages
1. Guaranteed legislature. Majority
2. Shadow cabinet
3. Brevity of campaigns
IV. Rise of Executive Power in 20th Century.
A. Governmental Expansion
1. Welfare state
2. Bureaucratic growth
3. Technological informational expertise needs
B. Nature of International Relations
1. Modern warfare techniques
2. Shrinking time frame
V. Roles of Legislature
A. Lawmaking
B. Representation
C. Constituency Service
D. Executive Oversight
E. Education
VI. Roles of Executive
A. Head of Government
B. Chief of State (Pres.)
C. Party Chief
D. Commander in Chief
E. Chief Diplomat
F. Chief Legislator
VII. The Executive In Politics
I. Development of the Strong Executive
A. The 20th Century: Age of the Executive
1. Modern war techniques
2. Technological revolution
3. Communication revolution
4. The welfare state and bureaucracy
5. Hyper-nationalism and symbolism
B. Remaining Restraints
1. Public opinion
2. Competing governmental actors
3. Bureaucratic inertia
4. Constitutional constraints
VIII. Functions
A. Policy Initiator and Executor
1. Domestic
2. Foreign
B. Armed Forces Chief
C. Ceremonial Role
D. Spokesman for National Interest
Key Web Sites
United States House of Representatives