America's Congress: Actions in the Public Sphere, James Madison Through Newt Gingrich

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 268 pages
• Published by: Yale University Press August 11, 2000
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0300080492
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0300080490
• Book Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 14.4 ounces

Product Description
To understand American politics and government, we need to recognize that members of Congress are more than agents of societal interests and preferences--they also act with some autonomy and consequence in the public sphere. In this illuminating book, a distinguished political scientist looks at the actions of members of Congress throughout American history, assessing their patterns and importance and their role in the U.S. system of separation of powers."This refreshing and interesting book offers an entirely new perspective on Congress's history and its role in U.S. politics. It is a book that every student of Congress will want to read."-Gary C. Jacobson, author of The Politics of Congressional Elections

From the Inside Flap
To understand American politics and government, we need to recognize not only that members of Congress are agents of societal interests and preferences but also that they act with a certain degree of autonomy and consequence in the country's public sphere. In this illuminating book, a distinguished political scientist looks at actions performed by members of Congress throughout American history, assessing their patterns and importance and their role in the American system of separation of powers.David R. Mayhew looks at standard history books on the United States and identifies more than two thousand actions by individual members of the House and Senate that are significant enough to be mentioned. Mayhew offers insights into a wide range of matters, from the nature of congressional opposition to presidents and the surprising frequency of foreign policy actions to the timing of notable activity within congressional careers (and the way that congressional term limits might affect these performances). His book sheds new light on the contributions to U.S. history made by members of Congress.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: America`s Congress: Actions in the Public Sphere, James Madison Through Newt Gingrich (Paperback) Although the analogy used to organized the book was "cute," it was useful in that the presentation was interesting, and at times, powerful and persuasive. The material was current and could be applied to events occurring today-foreign policy issues, the slow track for approval of judicial candidates, the continuing debate over the impact of majority minority districts, and the toll a negative media can take on an institution whose legitimacy depends upon the trust of the people.