When the framers of the Constitution defined the nation’s democratic system of government, they envisioned a balance of power among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Over the past 220 years, however, this balance has tipped in one way or another.

Responding to global threats, recent presidents have claimed vast executive authority over national security, military deployments, and declarations of war.

Four political science professors from UC Santa Barbara will discuss these and other issues at a UCSB Affiliates Town Forum on Tuesday, March 4. Their panel discussion topic is “American Presidents: Too Powerful for Our Own Good?” Speakers include Gayle Binion, Roger H. Davidson, John T. Woolley, and M. Stephen Weatherford.

The panel begins at 7:30 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall, 21 E. Constance Ave. Admission is $8 for UCSB Affiliates and alumni, and $10 for others. Advance registration (x4388) is recommended.

Binion, who will moderate, is a specialist in public law, particularly the role of the judiciary in protecting constitutional rights. Recently, she contributed chapters to the books “Women’s Rights: A Human Rights Quarterly Reader” and “The U.S. House of Representatives: Reform or Rebuild?”

Davidson co-authored the book “Congress and its Members” and co-edited “Understanding the Presidency.” He also serves on the UCSB Affiliates Board of Directors.

Weatherford’s research focuses on presidential leadership, national economic policy, and community decision-making. He co-authored the articles: “Public Opinion and Foreign Policy: The States of Presidential Decision-Making” and “Ronald Reagan as Legislative Advocate.”

Woolley, who chairs the department, is co-author of “State of the Union: Presidential Rhetoric from Woodrow Wilson to George W. Bush.” He also helped develop The American Presidency Project, a UCSB- based Web site containing nearly 70,000 presidential documents and more than 700 recordings.