Congressional Dynamics: Structure, Coordination, and Choice in the First American Congress, 1774-1789 (Stanford Studies in the New Political History) - Hardcover

Jillson, Calvin; Wilson, Rick K.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0804722935 ISBN 13: 9780804722933

Publisher: Stanford University Press, 1994

Synopsis

This book focuses on the origins, evolution, and demise of the Continental Congress, reinterpreting its successes and failures from the perspective of the "new institutionalism." In the process, the book lays open a fascinating historical laboratory for exploring contemporary questions about the nature of political institutions, the strategic incentives those institutions present to those involved, and the outcomes that result.

About this title

Synopsis

In 1774 delegates from twelve English colonies in North America assembled in congress. This assemblage laid the foundation for the first national political body in the United States. The basic institutional identity of the Continental Congress never changed over its fifteen-year history. Nonetheless, perceived deficiencies in its structure and performance helped forge the Federal system founded in 1789. This book focuses on the origins, evolution, and demise of the Continental Congress, reinterpreting its successes and failures from the perspective of the 'new institutionalism'. The authors analyse the behavioural record of the delegates - their votes, voting coalitions, work load, committee assignments - and conclude that norms, rules, and structures were as much to blame for the Congress's failure as the twelve represented states' reluctance to support and finance it.

Edition details

• Publisher: Stanford University Press
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0804722935
• ISBN 13: 9780804722933
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 392