Founding Republics in France and America: A Study in Constitutional Governance

Focusing on the founding of the French Fifth Republic and the drafting of its constitution, the author compares the nations' divergent approaches to executive, legislative, and judicial power; independent administrative authority and discretion; and the relation of administrative law to statutory law. His analysis of France's divided versus our unified executive, the two presidents' exceptional powers, and their influence on the legislative process offers insight into how the two constitutional traditions promote and inhibit the capacity for administrative action. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.