Author: Thomas Campbell File Type: pdf Each branch of American government possesses inherent advantages and disadvantages in structure. In this book, the author relies on a separation-of-powers analysis that emphasizes the advantage of the legislature to draft precise words to fit intended situations, the judiciarys advantage of being able to do justice in an individual case, and the executives homogeneity and flexibility, which best suits it to decisions of an ad hoc nature.Identifying these structural abilities, the author analyzes major public policy issues, including gun control, flag burning, abortion, civil rights, war powers, suing the President, legislative veto, the exclusionary rule, and affirmative action. Each issue is examined not from the point of view of determining the right outcome, but with the intention of identifying the branch of government most appropriate for making the decision.ReviewFew people have viewed American government from so many angles as Tom Campbell. As a five-term Congressman and a California state senator, he learned what the states and the federal government each do best, and what Congress, the executive branch and the courts each do best. With erudition and vivid case studies, he has drawn his political experience into a rich and insightful volume of essays on the separation of powers. No book so learned in the law has ever looked at the comparative advantages of each branch of government through the lens of such lived experience. Kathleen M. Sullivan, Dean, Stanford Law SchoolTom Campbell takes a strikingly innovative and sophisticated approach to a fundamental constitutional question the separation of powers that is the bedrock of our national government. His service as a congressman adds richness and realism to his scholarship. These essays will prove fascinating to all who are interested in wise government and the structural basis for American freedoms.Robert H. Bork,Distinguished Senior Fellow, The Hudson InstituteTom Campbells knowledge of the intricate rules of both Houses of Congress and of how the lawmaking process really works generates many unique insights. This excellent book will be important reading for scholars and practitioners of law and public policy as well as an invaluable primer for all U.S. public officials. Jesse H. Choper, Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, BerkeleyFrom the Inside FlapEach branch of American government possesses inherent advantages and disadvantages in structure. In this book, the author relies on a separation-of-powers analysis that emphasizes the advantage of the legislature to draft precise words to fit intended situations, the judiciarys advantage of being able to do justice in an individual case, and the executives homogeneity and flexibility, which best suits it to decisions of an ad hoc nature.Identifying these structural abilities, the author analyzes major public policy issues, including gun control, flag burning, abortion, civil rights, war powers, suing the President, legislative veto, the exclusionary rule, and affirmative action. Each issue is examined not from the point of view of determining the right outcome, but with the intention of identifying the branch of government most appropriate for making the decision.

Author: Jonathan M. Bloom File Type: pdf Like the printing press, typewriter, and computer, paper has been a crucial agent for the dissemination of information. This engaging book presents an important new chapter in papers history how its use in Islamic lands during the Middle Ages influenced almost every aspect of medieval life. Focusing on the spread of paper from the early eighth century, when Muslims in West Asia acquired Chinese knowledge of paper and papermaking, to five centuries later, when they transmitted this knowledge to Christians in Spain and Sicily, the book reveals how paper utterly transformed the passing of knowledge and served as a bridge between cultures. Jonathan Bloom traces the earliest history of paper - how it was invented in China over 2,000 years ago, how it entered the Islamic lands of West Asia and North Africa, and how it spread to northern Europe. He explores the impact of paper on the development of writing, books, mathematics, music, art, architecture, and even cooking. And he discusses why Europe was so quick to adopt paper from the Islamic lands and why the Islamic lands were so slow to accept printing in return. Together the beautifully written text and delightful illustrations of pa