The mixing of executive and legislative powers is characteristic of Absolutisitc regimes. In Europe the US is regarded has not possessing a strong enough power separation, with the nation's leader holding executive and some legislative powers.

Luis,
The entire Westminster system is built on the mixing of legislative and executive power.If by Absolutistic you mean that they can actually get things doen then I agree. Governments should not just be about popularity contests and sometimes hard decisions need to be made and implemented by governments. My point about McCains ludicrous idea is that he can only get away with it because he will never have to implement it. A Prime Minister in any Westminster Parliament, or even the alternative gaovernment simply couldn't float such stupid ideas without being blasted in parliament. The crazy US system elects the most popular personality who then hand picks an unelected cabinet. I can see merit in both systems but the parlous state of the Federal budget is a disaster that neither branch wants to own. McCAins comments show he just doesn't really get the program either. The rest of the world doesn't know whether to laugh or cry at America when the best they can throw up is clowns like McCain to be the next president.