Politics and Prose
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Author Talk: Cass R. Sunstein — Separation of Powers: How to Preserve Liberty in Troubled Times
Posted
April 3, 2026
Views
361
Likes
10
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2.77%
April 3, 2026
361
10
2.77%
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1:01:10Now PlayingAuthor Cass R. Sunstein discusses their book "Separation of Powers" at Politics and Prose bookstore in Washington, D.C.
In this essential and immensely timely book, Separation of Powers, Cass R. Sunstein explains why the separation of powers is necessary for both freedom and self-government. He shows that freedom from fear is a central goal of the system of separation of powers. He also explains why the executive branch is the most dangerous branch, why the idea of presidential immunity is a terrible one, and why an independent judiciary is crucial.
Drawing on his extensive experience in the White House, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security, the author also argues that the separation of powers is, in fact, six separations of powers: (1) The legislature may not exercise the executive power. (2) The legislature may not exercise the judicial power. (3) The executive may not exercise the legislative power. (4) The executive may not exercise the judicial power. (5) The judiciary may not exercise the legislative power. (6) The judiciary may not exercise the executive power. Each of these is essential to liberty under law.
Cass R. Sunstein is Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard University, where he is the founder and director of the Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy. Former Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, he is the author of The Cost-Benefit Revolution, How Change Happens, Too Much Information, Sludge, Climate Justice, On Liberalism (all published by the MIT Press), Nudge (with Richard H. Thaler), and other books. In 2024, he was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Department of Homeland Security’s highest civilian honor.
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