Separation of Powers ( Background )

Background The term separation of powers originated with the Baron de Montesquieu, a French enlightenment writer. However, the actual separation of powers  among  different branches of government can be traced to ancient Greece . It is safe to say that a respect for the principle of separation of powers is deeply rooted in every American.

Transfer of president's power

Transfer of president's power

Under Section 3 of the Twenty-fifth Amendment, the president may transfer the presidential powers and duties to the vice president by transmitting a statement to the Speaker of the House and the president pro tempore of the Senate. But he rqust state the reasons for the transfer. In 2002 and again in 2007, President George W. Bush briefly transferred presidential authority to Vice President Dick Cheney. In both cases, this was done to accommodate a medical procedure which required Bush to be sedated; both times, Bush returned to duty later the same day.

The Vice-Presidency

The Constitution of United States provides for the office of Vice-president as well. He is elected along with the President in the same manner. When the method of electing the president through the Electoral College was decided by the Forefathers of the Constitution, the office of the vice-president became necessary since he may succeed to the Presidency in the event of the President's death, resignation or removal. So, the Vice President must meet all the qualifications of President. The Vice-Presidency is therefore,   'an office unique in its functions or rather lack in its functions.'10 Woodrow Wilson described  the  position   of the   Vice-President  as   "one  of anomalous insignificance and curious uncertainty." Franklin Roosevelt said that he would rather be a Professor of history than Vice-president. So, the Vice-president is the person with all the qualifications and charismas a President should possess without, the   power   and   prestige   of   the   President.   His importance is the mark of a second-class office. Mode of Election: Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution states that, the Vice President is elected in the same way as the President.   According   to   the   original   provisions   of the Constitution, the man getting the highest number of votes was elected President and the person with the second-highest votes next to the President-elect was declared the Vice-president of the United States. But this method was changed by the Twelfth Amendment of the Constitution. The Electors have now to vote separately for the President and the Vice-President.

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