Bulletin n. 2-3/2012 | ||
October 2012-February 2013 | ||
Dregger Sebastian |
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Die Signing Statements als Machtressource der US-Präsidenten: Zwischen institutionellem Machtpotential und tatsächlicher Wirkung | ||
in Zeitschrift für Vergleichende Politikwissenschaft , Volume 6, Issue 2, 2012 , 2012 , 303-334 | ||
Abstract The article describes the mode of operation, the legal framework and possible applications of Signing Statements as a power resource of US presidents. It classifies Signing Statements under “direct unilateral actions”, presents several types of Signing Statements, addresses issues regarding the scholarly analysis of Signing Statements, and explains commonalities and differences of Signing Statements and other “direct unilateral actions” of US presidents. The subsequent part of the article demonstrates how the presidents Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton and Bush Jr. used Signing Statements in everyday government proceedings. The analysis of well-documented cases of conflict illustrates that the abstract power potential inherent in presidential Signing Statements can only be partially materialized in concrete cases of dispute with Congress and the courts. Regarding the controversy about President George W. Bush’s reliance on Signing Statements, the article attempts to give a more nuanced account. In doing so, it clears up several related misconceptions. In conclusion, President Bush’s Signing Statements actually created problems due to their vagueness and the resulting confusion within the other two branches of government. | ||