'''Executive privilege''' is the right of the [[Executive Branch]] to operate independently of [[Congress]] and the courts, and keep information developed within the Executive Branch confidential. The first use of executive privilege was made by the [[Founding Father]] [[George Washington]] in 1796. [[Congress]] demanded documents relating to the [[Jay Treaty]] but George Washington refused the demand based on executive privilege.
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The purpose of executive privilege is to maintain separation of powers, and to protect diplomatic and military secrets..
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In ''[[United States v. Nixon]]'' (1973), the [[Supreme Court]] ruled that the president can not absolutely refuse to turn over information wanted by the judiciary.
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Executive privilege continues to be used by modern presidents in resisting demands for information.