seven of which have long operated successfully under a uni-cameral system, constitutes a standing challenge. Suggested Reading Brown, George R. The Leadership of Congress. (1922) CHAPTER XVI TYPES OF EXECUTIVE The functions of the chief executive are twofoldpolitical and administrative. Nowhere is his political aspect more openly recognized than under the parliamentary system of government. There, the cabinet officer's retention of power rests entirely upon his ability to maintain a following in the legislative body. And this, to an overwhelming degree, depends upon his ability as a political leader. When a cabinet has lost the confidence of the parliament, two courses are open to it. It may resign, or else dissolve the house and carry the issue to the country. In either case its life. is determined almost entirely by the political skill of its constituent members. Furthermore, practically all legislation passed by a parliamentary body is initiated by the cabinet. (Particularly is this true in England.) Thus full responsibility for public policy is thrown upon the chief executive. Not so open is our avowal of the political function of our chief magistrates. In fact, the opening sentence of Article II of the Constitution might be interpreted as a denial of such activity. ("The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.") And the fact that the term of office is definitely fixed at four years, only adds color to this interpretation, for it is apparent that a coincidence of astronomical and political phenomena can hardly be expected as a recurring circumstance. Nevertheless, despite the declaration of the separation of powers apparently implied here, and expressly set forth in some of the state constitutions, certain responsibilities of political leadership are very evidently placed upon our chief executives. That very article of the Federal Constitution which seems to endorse the principle of the separation of powers says concerning the President: "He shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may on extraordinary occasions convene both houses, or either of them, and in case of a disagreement between them with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper." Similar powers are granted to the governors of many of our states. A further provision declares that if the President returns a measure to Congress unsigned, only a two-thirds vote of both houses of the national legislature can enact it into law. The grant of this power of veto is likewise found in the majority of the state constitutions. Through the use of these powers the chief executives, state and nation, have played a tremendous part in the determination of our public policy. In the |