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The imperial presidency: How Trumpism changes the political system of USA

https://doi.org/10.31249/poln/2019.04.12

Abstract

In a framework of the general typology of presidential regimes the classic American model of presidential system of government traditionally played the role of an ideal type and an instructive pattern as based on the strict separation of power’s principle, to be more compatible with democratic values and institutes, and having possibility to avoid the authoritarian backslide of the presidential rule in other regions of the world. But how this system could function in a new dramatic situation of the deep value conflict, divided society, growing political polarization and partisan interpretations of the basic constitutional norms as demonstrated after the US presidential elections of 2016? Having in mind this dilemma the author sketches the role of the current constitutional debates in American society, the evolving deformation of the checks and balances system showing the shifting balance of power relations under the Imperial presidency new modification regarding such issues as the US president’s prerogatives, executive orders and emergency declarations. Among the important author’s conclusions is the idea that in a new cultural and political situation the formally effective methods of the extralegal regulation could be used by the presidential power for the potentially undemocratic transformation of the American political system.

About the Author

A. N. Medushevsky
National Research University Higher School of Economics
Russian Federation


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ISSN 1998-1775 (Print)