Abstract
Checks and balances, the founding principle of American institutions, are not only found in the constant inter-branch dialog. The same applies within each branch, and especially in Congress. The bicameral division was initially meant by the Founding Fathers as an internal check within the lawmaking process. The upper chamber, the great anchor of the republic according to James Madison, was supposed to be a council to the Executive. As such, it was one of the institutional barriers meant to control the vortex of demagoguery and instability that the lower chamber was always in danger of becoming.
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© 2015 François Vergniolle de Chantal
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de Chantal, F.V. (2015). Is Senatorial Leadership even possible? The Deadlock of the American Upper Chamber. In: Alexandre-Collier, A., de Chantal, F.V. (eds) Leadership and Uncertainty Management in Politics. Palgrave Studies in Political Leadership. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137439246_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137439246_2
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
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