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    Separation of Powers

    How to Preserve Liberty in Troubled Times

    Author Cass R. Sunstein On Tour
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    Hardcover
    $24.95 US
    The MIT Press
    6.25"W x 9.31"H x 0.76"D   (15.9 x 23.6 x 1.9 cm) | 14 oz (405 g) | 28 per carton
    On sale Feb 17, 2026 | 168 Pages | 9780262051774
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    Why the separation of powers is essential to liberty and democracy.

    From the winner of the Holberg Prize and New York Times–bestselling author of The World According to Star Wars.

    All over the world, people are questioning the separation of powers. They want a strong man, able to do what must be done. But James Madison was right to say this: “The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.”

    In this essential and immensely timely book, Separation of Powers, Cass Sunstein explains why the separation of powers is necessary for both freedom and self-government. He shows that freedom from fear is a central goal of the system of separation of powers. He also explains why the executive branch is the most dangerous branch, why the idea of presidential immunity is a terrible one, and why an independent judiciary is crucial.

    Drawing on his extensive experience in the White House, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security, the author also argues that the separation of powers is, in fact, six separations of powers: (1) The legislature may not exercise the executive power. (2) The legislature may not exercise the judicial power. (3) The executive may not exercise the legislative power. (4) The executive may not exercise the judicial power. (5) The judiciary may not exercise the legislative power. (6) The judiciary may not exercise the executive power. Each of these is essential to liberty under law.
    REVIEWS

    "A subtle but critical examination into federal power and the many ways it can be used—and abused."
    —Kirkus Reviews

    ENDORSEMENTS

    “James Madison once noted that questions about the separation of powers ‘puzzle the greatest adepts in political science.’ Cass Sunstein ranks high among today’s greatest adepts, and his deft analysis in this brief but incisive book demonstrates why.”
    —Jack Rakove, William R. Coe Professor of History and American Studies and Professor of Political Science, emeritus, Stanford University; author of Original Meanings

    “Separation of Powers is as powerful as it is timely. Subtly drawing parallels between Nazi Germany’s obedience to its führer and the current obsequious treatment of the leader of the United States, Sunstein mounts a devastating attack on the Supreme Court’s recent decisions that undermine the separation of powers and threaten the liberty that the separation of powers has protected for nearly 250 years.”
    —Jack Beermann, Philip S. Beck Professor of Law, Boston University

    “Cass Sunstein never disappoints. This book will make everyone stop and think about the separation of powers. Progressives will like his critique of the ‘Grand Narrative’ of separation of powers that is now dominating the Supreme Court. Conservatives and libertarians will be intrigued by his description of how ‘partyism’ is weakening the separation of powers that is essential to protecting our liberty. A good read.”
    —Randy Barnett, Patrick Hotung Professor of Constitutional Law, Georgetown University Law Center; Faculty Director, Georgetown Center for the Constitution; author of A Life for Liberty

    “As the separation between our branches becomes increasingly blurred, and the executive sweeps more powers into its gaping maw, Cass Sunstein’s terrific, trenchant, and timely tome becomes required reading. Read it now and relearn why we should all bet on the separation of powers.”
    —Saikrishna Prakash, James Monroe Distinguished Professor of Law, University of Virginia

    “Cass Sunstein writes from long experience; he has thought about these questions for decades. Clear, earnest, and incisive, this book is an advanced introduction to some of the most important ideas in American constitutionalism.”
    —Jack Balkin, Knight Professor of Constitutional Law and the First Amendment, Yale Law School

    “Both timely and timeless, Separation of Powers offers a trenchant analysis of a key structural feature of the U.S. government aimed at protecting against tyranny. Anyone concerned about the growth of unchecked executive power in the United States will benefit from reading this book.”
    —Cary Coglianese, Edward B. Shils Professor of Law and Professor of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania; Director, Penn Program on Regulation
    Cass R. Sunstein is Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard University, where he is the founder and director of the Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy. Former Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, he is the author of The Cost-Benefit Revolution, How Change Happens, Too Much Information, Sludge, Climate Justice, On Liberalism (all published by the MIT Press), Nudge (with Richard H. Thaler), and other books. In 2024, he was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Department of Homeland Security’s highest civilian honor.
    Cass R. Sunstein View titles by Cass R. Sunstein
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    •     San Marino
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    •     Saudi Arabia
    •     Senegal
    •     Serbia
    •     Seychelles
    •     Sierra Leone
    •     Singapore
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    •     Slovakia
    •     Slovenia
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    •     Sth Terr. Franc
    •     Sudan
    •     Suriname
    •     Svalbard
    •     Swaziland
    •     Sweden
    •     Switzerland
    •     Syria
    •     Tadschikistan
    •     Taiwan
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    •     West Saharan
    •     Western Samoa
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    •     Zambia
    •     Zimbabwe
    Table of Contents
    Chapter 1: Freedom and Tyranny
    Chapter 2: What the Legislature Cannot Do
    Chapter 3: What the Executive Cannot do
    Chapter 4: What the Courts Cannot Do
    Chapter 5: The President’s Immunity
    Chapter 6: The Most Dangerous Branch
    Chapter 7: Deliberative Democracy in the Trenches
    Chapter 8: The Grand Narrative
    Chapter 9: Nondelegation Canons
    Chapter 10: Major Questions
    Chapter 11: Arms Control Is Hard
    Epilogue

    Photos

    additional book photo

    About

    Why the separation of powers is essential to liberty and democracy.

    From the winner of the Holberg Prize and New York Times–bestselling author of The World According to Star Wars.

    All over the world, people are questioning the separation of powers. They want a strong man, able to do what must be done. But James Madison was right to say this: “The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.”

    In this essential and immensely timely book, Separation of Powers, Cass Sunstein explains why the separation of powers is necessary for both freedom and self-government. He shows that freedom from fear is a central goal of the system of separation of powers. He also explains why the executive branch is the most dangerous branch, why the idea of presidential immunity is a terrible one, and why an independent judiciary is crucial.

    Drawing on his extensive experience in the White House, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security, the author also argues that the separation of powers is, in fact, six separations of powers: (1) The legislature may not exercise the executive power. (2) The legislature may not exercise the judicial power. (3) The executive may not exercise the legislative power. (4) The executive may not exercise the judicial power. (5) The judiciary may not exercise the legislative power. (6) The judiciary may not exercise the executive power. Each of these is essential to liberty under law.

    Praise

    REVIEWS

    "A subtle but critical examination into federal power and the many ways it can be used—and abused."
    —Kirkus Reviews

    ENDORSEMENTS

    “James Madison once noted that questions about the separation of powers ‘puzzle the greatest adepts in political science.’ Cass Sunstein ranks high among today’s greatest adepts, and his deft analysis in this brief but incisive book demonstrates why.”
    —Jack Rakove, William R. Coe Professor of History and American Studies and Professor of Political Science, emeritus, Stanford University; author of Original Meanings

    “Separation of Powers is as powerful as it is timely. Subtly drawing parallels between Nazi Germany’s obedience to its führer and the current obsequious treatment of the leader of the United States, Sunstein mounts a devastating attack on the Supreme Court’s recent decisions that undermine the separation of powers and threaten the liberty that the separation of powers has protected for nearly 250 years.”
    —Jack Beermann, Philip S. Beck Professor of Law, Boston University

    “Cass Sunstein never disappoints. This book will make everyone stop and think about the separation of powers. Progressives will like his critique of the ‘Grand Narrative’ of separation of powers that is now dominating the Supreme Court. Conservatives and libertarians will be intrigued by his description of how ‘partyism’ is weakening the separation of powers that is essential to protecting our liberty. A good read.”
    —Randy Barnett, Patrick Hotung Professor of Constitutional Law, Georgetown University Law Center; Faculty Director, Georgetown Center for the Constitution; author of A Life for Liberty

    “As the separation between our branches becomes increasingly blurred, and the executive sweeps more powers into its gaping maw, Cass Sunstein’s terrific, trenchant, and timely tome becomes required reading. Read it now and relearn why we should all bet on the separation of powers.”
    —Saikrishna Prakash, James Monroe Distinguished Professor of Law, University of Virginia

    “Cass Sunstein writes from long experience; he has thought about these questions for decades. Clear, earnest, and incisive, this book is an advanced introduction to some of the most important ideas in American constitutionalism.”
    —Jack Balkin, Knight Professor of Constitutional Law and the First Amendment, Yale Law School

    “Both timely and timeless, Separation of Powers offers a trenchant analysis of a key structural feature of the U.S. government aimed at protecting against tyranny. Anyone concerned about the growth of unchecked executive power in the United States will benefit from reading this book.”
    —Cary Coglianese, Edward B. Shils Professor of Law and Professor of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania; Director, Penn Program on Regulation

    Author

    Cass R. Sunstein is Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard University, where he is the founder and director of the Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy. Former Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, he is the author of The Cost-Benefit Revolution, How Change Happens, Too Much Information, Sludge, Climate Justice, On Liberalism (all published by the MIT Press), Nudge (with Richard H. Thaler), and other books. In 2024, he was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Department of Homeland Security’s highest civilian honor.
    Cass R. Sunstein View titles by Cass R. Sunstein

    Rights

    Available for sale exclusive:
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    •     Antarctica
    •     Antigua/Barbuda
    •     Argentina
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    •     Australia
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    •     Cocos Islands
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    •     Malaysia
    •     Maldives
    •     Mali
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    •     Marshall island
    •     Martinique
    •     Mauritania
    •     Mauritius
    •     Mayotte
    •     Mexico
    •     Micronesia
    •     Minor Outl.Ins.
    •     Moldavia
    •     Monaco
    •     Mongolia
    •     Montenegro
    •     Montserrat
    •     Morocco
    •     Mozambique
    •     Myanmar
    •     Namibia
    •     Nauru
    •     Nepal
    •     Netherlands
    •     New Caledonia
    •     New Zealand
    •     Nicaragua
    •     Niger
    •     Nigeria
    •     Niue
    •     Norfolk Island
    •     North Korea
    •     North Mariana
    •     Norway
    •     Oman
    •     Pakistan
    •     Palau
    •     Palestinian Ter
    •     Panama
    •     PapuaNewGuinea
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    •     Peru
    •     Philippines
    •     Pitcairn Islnds
    •     Poland
    •     Portugal
    •     Puerto Rico
    •     Qatar
    •     Reunion Island
    •     Romania
    •     Russian Fed.
    •     Rwanda
    •     S. Sandwich Ins
    •     Saint Martin
    •     Samoa,American
    •     San Marino
    •     SaoTome Princip
    •     Saudi Arabia
    •     Senegal
    •     Serbia
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    •     Sierra Leone
    •     Singapore
    •     Sint Maarten
    •     Slovakia
    •     Slovenia
    •     Solomon Islands
    •     Somalia
    •     South Africa
    •     South Korea
    •     South Sudan
    •     Spain
    •     Sri Lanka
    •     St Barthelemy
    •     St. Helena
    •     St. Lucia
    •     St. Vincent
    •     St.Chr.,Nevis
    •     St.Pier,Miquel.
    •     Sth Terr. Franc
    •     Sudan
    •     Suriname
    •     Svalbard
    •     Swaziland
    •     Sweden
    •     Switzerland
    •     Syria
    •     Tadschikistan
    •     Taiwan
    •     Tanzania
    •     Thailand
    •     Timor-Leste
    •     Togo
    •     Tokelau Islands
    •     Tonga
    •     Trinidad,Tobago
    •     Tunisia
    •     Turkey
    •     Turkmenistan
    •     Turks&Caicos Is
    •     Tuvalu
    •     US Virgin Is.
    •     USA
    •     Uganda
    •     Ukraine
    •     Unit.Arab Emir.
    •     United Kingdom
    •     Uruguay
    •     Uzbekistan
    •     Vanuatu
    •     Vatican City
    •     Venezuela
    •     Vietnam
    •     Wallis,Futuna
    •     West Saharan
    •     Western Samoa
    •     Yemen
    •     Zambia
    •     Zimbabwe

    Table of Contents

    Table of Contents
    Chapter 1: Freedom and Tyranny
    Chapter 2: What the Legislature Cannot Do
    Chapter 3: What the Executive Cannot do
    Chapter 4: What the Courts Cannot Do
    Chapter 5: The President’s Immunity
    Chapter 6: The Most Dangerous Branch
    Chapter 7: Deliberative Democracy in the Trenches
    Chapter 8: The Grand Narrative
    Chapter 9: Nondelegation Canons
    Chapter 10: Major Questions
    Chapter 11: Arms Control Is Hard
    Epilogue

    Other Books by this Author

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