Lynn Thoman

Cass, the founders obsessed over separation of powers.

What were they afraid would happen if it failed?

In plain terms, what does separation of power actually mean, and what does it do for ordinary people?

And how is separation of powers different from checks and balances?

Many people conflate them.

The Constitution says that all legislative power, the power to make laws, belongs to Congress.

What does that mean in practice, and why is that so essential to preserving freedom?

Why do you think so many people today seem comfortable with power being concentrated in one strong leader?

Cass, emergency powers are meant to be temporary.

What are the president's emergency powers and what stops them from becoming normal?

If separation of powers slows things down, what's the danger of speeding things up?

What do we lose when separation of powers weakens?

Can midterm elections be canceled?

How do you see presidential immunity?

Cass, what are the three takeaways you'd like to leave the audience with today?

Thank you, Cass.

I've enjoyed our conversation, and I especially enjoyed your book, Separation of Powers.

Thank you so much for having me.

I'm Lynn Toman, and this is Three Takeaways.

Thanks for listening.