I was recently catching up on some back issues of The Economist when I came across a great quote in a Charlemagne column describing the European Parliament:
The parliament is elected but not truly accountable. Members can vote down any law without risking the fall of a government and snap elections: that is power without consequences.
Sounds a tad bit like the US Senate, no?
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I haven’t read the article, but doesn’t that describe all American elected officials? We don’t have parliamentary government. Is your point that the US Senate is uniquely unaccountable?
@bw: Of course you are correct – I was just being snarky. And as far as the US Senate in particular, I was reacting to all the recent debate regarding the filibuster rule and the ability of a smaller minority to block legislation. But I did think it was interesting to see how a European view of problems with the lack of accountability of the EU parliament actually extends to all presidential systems of government.
I agree with BW. Either is describes all US elected government officials or none. After all, they can be impeached.
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