Depends on the form of government.
An absolute monarch cannot exceed his power, since that power is absolute.
If a monarch rules by "divine right" then, theoretically, he cannot exceed the power he was given by an omnipotent deity.
In a "dictatorship of the proletariat" or a "people's republic" the power is defined by the only legal party (which kilss anyone who tries to start an opposition party), and there is no way he can exceed his power -- unless the party bosses try to stop him.
Even if there are limitations powers, it is very common for a ruler to try to extend and/or increase his power by creating a crisis, and then arranging for his powers to be increased.
In a Constitutional republic, the powers are defined by a document, and any ruler attempting to exceed those defined powers will be stopped very quickly (by provisions that provide for separation of powers, checks & balances, etc.)
Without a Constitution (or equivalent), it is very easy for governments to exceed their powers.
Some recent examples are what has happened in Venezuela, Burma, Syria, and Peru. Earlier examples include Bangla Desh, Somalia, Haiti, Cuba, and others.
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2007-10-17 18:39:34
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answer #1
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answered by bam 4
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The theory is that the United States government rules by the consent of its people. It abides by a set of rules established in the United Sates Constitution. There are 3 parts of government. The Executive branch (President and cabinet), Legislative branch (Congress), and Judiciary (The Courts). Each has limits set to their power. Each also has specific responsibilities. When people say the government is exceeding its power they usually are either talking about a violation of the constitution or the executive branch establishing regulation that bypasses one of the other branches. An example of how power can be exceeded is Gitmo. The Courts have providence over justice. The executive made a questionable ruling that the prisoners there are not POW's (covered by an international treaty), not civilians (covered by the courts), and therefore undefined. The executive has said they can make up any rules concerning them and the other branches as well as treaties have no say. The courts objected and were ignored. The legislative can make laws, the Judiciary can define them and the executive enforces them. Here the executive made and defined a law concerning prisoners which is beyond its authority. Thats an example of excess. Wiretaps is another. The Judiciary ruled long ago that the constitution protects Americans from electronic surveillances without a court order (warrant). The executive has decided it can do this anyway and does not need a judges permission. Once again they have made or defined law or in this case ignored it.
Hope this helps.
2007-10-17 18:03:44
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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When sovereignty overpowers democracy, usually enhanced by creating a police state.
Which is a good example. Take Kim Jong Ill, the perfect "autocrat" of a police state. The press only reports what he and his government have to say, unless it is approved by them. No one can publicly speak against him, or else they're jailed. Same goes for any suspicion of revolt.
Now let's take this situation and pretend like it happened in a nation where it's not supposed to, say the good old US of A. Let's say a president forms a cabinet entirely of the same political party and thinks strictly parallel to his own thoughts. He then nominates similar supreme court justices, and there's enough to weigh it down in his favor. Finally, a marginal dominance of the same political view over the opposing one in either, if not both, houses of congress.
This would render our system of checks and balances pointless, because everything the president wants, so does 50.5% of congress and 5/9 justices, so any bills or acts in their favor pass like laxatives (especially if you buy the filibuster relief brand). Sort of like an oligarchy.
Only problem is, what if half the nation disagrees with the majority party? Too bad. This party can get just about anything it wants for at least two years, unless anyone dies. Pretty scary huh?
So now that this party has no limit to abolishing abortion or an immediate withdrawal from Iraq, half of the nation is left out. Next thing you know, which ever party is passing bills and making amendments extending terms and abilities for executives, congressmen, etc., for some reason like terrorism or middle class tax relief because of a drastic credit crunch.
By now, they've definitely exceeded their power.
This has happened in other countries, by the way. In fact, i think it's how Napoleon loopholed the French government into his own dictatorship.
To make one final note: We need elected officials to stop loading up cabinets with only one party, and nominating justices and other officials of their political party. This only represents one half of America (being that the most recent popular votes are always with 2/3 of the population).
2007-10-17 18:04:54
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answer #3
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answered by Anonimo 5
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By giving corporations a free hand in a country not their own: Blackwater, Halliburton and more companies that I do not know their names but which can be found on the Internet. There are over 100,000 companies in Iraq as I type this.
When the president of the United States of America states the Constitution is just a piece of paper and quit bothering him with it so that he can do what he wants as opposed to what is legal.
Privatizing war.
Privatizing water treatment plants.
Stating a lie over and over till the people actually believe the lie as truth.
Giving corporations the power to do what they want with no consequences of their actions.
Oh, my God, I am talking about my own country the good ole U.S. of A.
It is time to wake up people.
Or, if you like, welcome to WW III.
2007-10-17 20:02:00
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answer #4
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answered by repstat 3
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when the congress and senate are lied to about mass weapons of destruction and war powers are received illegally ,and the system of checks and balances fails our powers have exceeded their ability to function intelligently .
Our forefathers feared such but after two hundred years an upgrade is needed to insure some sanity in government .
This uncorrectable by pass of the original design of government should be stressed over and over until it is corrected . the responsibility of power to not be abused is fundamental to the integrity of our actions and the well fare of innocent people victims of the very Nazi mentality that we so adamantly hold in contempt.please excuse my digression .
peace
2007-10-17 18:30:45
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answer #5
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answered by dogpatch USA 7
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By engaging in activities that it is not authorized to do under the Constitution.
For example: if the President attempts to order surveillance that would involve American citizens activities by federal agents/officialswithout a warrent or court oversight, then that would be exceeding his constitutional authority.
2007-10-17 17:50:00
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Nothing in the universe can exceed its power.
2007-10-17 17:44:05
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answer #7
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answered by Jay 6
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1. Allow terrorist attack to happen
2. Cultivate fear with the assistance of the mainstream media
3. Invade country of your choosing
2007-10-17 17:44:44
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answer #8
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answered by knowmeansknow 4
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Bush has exceeded his power time and time again!!! He is a dirty bum!!!!!!
2007-10-17 21:44:26
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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