A01=David J. Siemers
American
American Culture
American People
Author_David J. Siemers
Category=JP
Coequal
Coequal Branches
Coequality
Communications
Congress Separation of Functions
Constitution
Constitutional
Constitutional Convention
Constitutional Design
Constitutional Myths
Controversies
Controversy
Dysfunction
eq_bestseller
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
eq_non-fiction
eq_society-politics
Executive
Federal
Federal Government
Federalist
Founding Era
Function
Functional Government
Goals
Government
Gridlock
Gridlocked Government
History
Institutions
James Madison
Judiciary
Law
Legislation
Legislative Authority
Legislature
Literature
Mainstream Media
Media
Myth
Newtonian Politics
Political
Political Culture
Political Science
Politicians
Politics
Presidents
Republican
Separation
Separation of Powers
Siemers
Supreme Court
Supreme Court Justices
The Founders
Three Branches
U.S. Government
Union
United States
Product details
- ISBN 9780826223562
- Weight: 340g
- Dimensions: 152 x 229mm
- Publication Date: 30 Mar 2026
- Publisher: University of Missouri Press
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Paperback
Secure
checkout
Fast Shipping
Easy returns
The idea that the three branches of U.S. government are equal in power is taught in classrooms, proclaimed by politicians, and referenced in the media. But, as David Siemers shows, that idea is a myth, neither intended by the Founders nor true in practice. Siemers explains how adherence to this myth normalizes a politics of gridlock, in which the action of any branch can be checked by the reaction of any other. The Founders, however, envisioned a separation of functions rather than a separation of powers. Siemers argues that this view needs to replace our current view, so that the goals set out in the Constitution’s Preamble may be better achieved.
David J. Siemers is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and the author of four books, including Presidents and Political Thought. He lives in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
