Category Archives: Reviews

Thoughts on “It’s Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided With the New Politics of Extremism”, By Mann and Ornstein

Posted on 2012/06/15 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction Thomas E. Mann and Norman J. Ornstein, two eminent Congressional scholars, co-authored their latest book on Congress earlier this year. In It’s Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided With the New Politics of Extremism, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Loyal Opposition, Parliamentarism v Presidentialism, Reviews, Separation of Powers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Contrarian for the Crown Infiltrates the Launch of Your Canada, Your Constitution

Posted on 2012/06/06 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to present at the launch of a new charity called “Your Canada, Your Constitution” here in Ottawa on 4 June 2012. I consider myself a good writer but a poor … Continue reading →

Posted in Conferences and Speeches, Constitution (Written), Monarchism v Republicanism, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Macdonald-Laurier Institute’s Debate on Prime Ministerial Power: Andrew Coyne vs. Sheila Copps

Posted on 2012/05/17 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction On 10 May 2012, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute held a debate on “Power Corrupts Canadian Prime Minister”, the fourth instalment of its History Wars series. Theoretically, Andrew Coyne argued in favour of the resolution and therefore against prime ministerial power, … Continue reading →

Posted in Conferences and Speeches, Confidence Convention, Constructive Non-Confidence, Crown (Powers and Office), Prime Minister's Powers, Reform | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Macdonald-Laurier Institute’s Debate on the Crown: John Fraser vs. Michael Bliss

Posted on 2012/03/20 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction The Macdonald-Laurier Institute held a debate on the Crown on 14 March 2012 on the resolution that “The monarchy is a dangerous anachronism”. John Fraser opposed it, and Michael Bliss supported it. The erstwhile republican Jack Granastein presided over … Continue reading →

Posted in Conferences and Speeches, Monarchism v Republicanism | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Demise of Responsible Government and the Crown Prerogative on Defence

Posted on 2012/02/26 by J.W.J. Bowden

Perilous Precedents: Parliamentary Approval of Troop Deployments Many scholars have lamented the Harper government’s alleged “abuse” of Crown prerogatives on prorogation and dissolution, and its overall attitude toward Parliament (i.e., the House of Commons). I of course disagree with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles and Books, Cabinet's Powers, Crown (Powers and Office), Reaffirmation of, Responsible Government | Tagged , , , | 15 Comments