Libertarian Separation of Powers

31 Pages Posted: 16 Feb 2014 Last revised: 14 Mar 2014

See all articles by Aziz Z. Huq

Aziz Z. Huq

University of Chicago - Law School

Date Written: February 15, 2014

Abstract

The Constitution’s distribution of power among three branches of the federal government is valued because it aims to produce some bundle of valuable social or public goods such as democracy, rights, or welfare. This essay examines the interaction between constitutional structure and those goods a libertarian might pursue. Analyzing the options for both a constitutional designer and a constitutional interpreter, it suggests that first-order preferences over liberty fail to translate into structural design maxims in any mechanical or predictable way.

Keywords: Separation of powers; libertarian theory

Suggested Citation

Huq, Aziz Z., Libertarian Separation of Powers (February 15, 2014). NYU Journal of Law & Liberty, Forthcoming, U of Chicago, Public Law Working Paper No. 464 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2396581 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2396581

Aziz Z. Huq (Contact Author)

University of Chicago - Law School ( email )

1111 E. 60th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

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