America′s Congress – Actions in the Public Sphere, James Madison Through Newt Gingrich - Softcover

Mayhew, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0300093357 ISBN 13: 9780300093353

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2002

Synopsis

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 examines 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 examines 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.

About this title

Review:

"...he fulfills his purpose, to evaluate 'public affairs in a democracy' rather than merely to deplore its passing." -- Theodore J. Lowi, Cornell University

"A book that every student of Congress will want to read." -- Gary C. Jacobson, author of The Politics of Congressional Elections

"An intriguing book, America's Congress explores a key gap in the formal study of national politics..." -- Joshua Micah Marshall, American Prospect

"Splendid." -- Michael Barone, Public Interest

"This splendid work offers convincing evidence that representative democracy is alive and well in America and making a significant difference..." -- Lee Edwards, World & I

Synopsis:

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 study, a distinguished political scientist examines the actions of members of Congress throughout American history, assessing their patterns and importance and their role in the US system of separation of powers.

About this edition

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0300093357
• ISBN 13: 9780300093353
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288