- Jul 29, 2004
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http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/80oct/deadlock2.htmOne combined effect of the Twelfth and Twentieth Amendments is that the House could go on voting, with interruptions for other business and indeed with an infusion of new members in midterm, for four full years. Imagine an acting presidency subject to termination at any time until the House deadlock is finally broken. That would transform the American government into a quasi-parliamentary system. As matters stand in 1980, any disgruntled House member from any of twenty-eight states could threaten to switch his or her vote -- and thereby turn the Acting President back into a lowly Vice President again. The desire to be more than the spare tire of the executive branch could leave an Acting President open to constitutional blackmail. This seems at best a freakish approximation of parliamentary rule, and it would give unprecedented weight to the demands of the narrowest possible interests. But it is conceivable that even such a system could muddle through -- at least until the 1982 congressional elections, which would become hybrid parliamentary votes. Thus, a vote for Republican representatives would be a vote for Reagan; for Democratic representatives, a vote for Carter. Anderson might sponsor his own slate of independent candidates. Thus the deadlock could be broken -- or prolonged.
Simple question with a very complex answer.Originally posted by: Soccerman06
Who would be president/vp/ect?
I assume you are aware that u.s. voters don't actually elect the president/vp - that the electoral college does. It's easily forgotten the way election results are reported.Originally posted by: Soccerman06
Who would be president/vp/ect?
Lol and Hillary (who will soon leave the democract race) will vote for McCain and I will loseOriginally posted by: xeemzor
It obviously wouldn't happen. At the very least the people running would vote for themselves.
Yes, which means we would have someone chosen by "them" regardless. At least if we vote, we can pretend that we had a say in the outcome.Originally posted by: seemingly random
I assume you are aware that u.s. voters don't actually elect the president/vp - that the electoral college does. It's easily forgotten the way election results are reported.Originally posted by: Soccerman06
Who would be president/vp/ect?