CONGRESSIONAL POLITICS

Catalog description

Congress is the first branch of government and the keystone of the Washington establishment. This course explores some of the most basic questions about the American political system. Does Congress adequately represent the American people? Why does Congress have difficulty making collective decisions in the national interest? How has the Republican takeover of Congress reconfigured the institution and altered its procedures? How can Congress and the president work together to make public policy? Topics covered include representation, campaign finance, elections, the legislative process, the committee system, members in their districts, Congressional investigations, party leadership, Congress and relations with the president.