Yet another Constitution book, this one an assessment of the
document as it pertains to the executive branch. Robinson
(government/Smith) offers no paean, by any means. He dishes out
some hearty criticism and some heady suggestions for the reform of
the Presidency. Jumping off from the obvious changes in society
since the Revolutionary era - such as the democratization of the
franchise, the emergence of an integrated economy, the burgeoning
Federal bureaucracy, America's growing global role and military
posture, instant communications, nuclear spread, etc. - Robinson
insists that "changing circumstances require a reassessment." To
counteract these problems, after reviewing the arguments that were
utilized during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the author
points out several avenues of improvement. He disparages the extent
to which the separation of powers has grown beyond utility,
creating a structure that is biased in favor of opposition.
"Ironically, this structure now operates to protect a bloated
government," as exemplified by the inability to impose rationality
and efficiency on defense procurement. His major suggestion is to
provide a system to help resolve deadlocks between the branches. He
suggests that the President and House members be elected to
four-year terms, while Senators be elected for eight years.
Borrowing from parliamentary systems, a structure would be set up
to call Federal elections within the four-year cycle. This power
would be granted to a Council of Elders, which would include all
living former presidents and whose leader, elected by the council,
would serve a two-year term as chief of state. The latter idea of a
Council is intriguing, as are most of Robinson's proposals, which
are somewhat more imaginative than the typical suggestion to create
a six-year presidency. Good, solid review, with some intriguing new
wrinkles. (Kirkus Reviews)
In this book, Donald Robinson provides a masterful account of the
beginnings of the nation and the founders' writing of the
Constitution. In the light of contemporary developments, he
reassesses not only the strengths and resiliency of the
Constitution but also its challenges, and he offers a bold plan for
renewing the constitutional system to make possible a federal
government that is at once effective and accountable.
General
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