Congress

Catalog description

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the evolving frameworks, rules, and organizational structures that shape the U.S. Congress and profoundly influence American politics. Students will examine the historical development and key debates surrounding congressional procedures\2014such as the filibuster, cloture rules, committee systems, seniority norms, and party caucus/leadership structures\2014while tracing how these elements have been interpreted, contested, and reformed over time. Through primary sources, historical case studies, and contemporary examples, the course analyzes how changes in these institutional arrangements (from the 19th-century rise of strong party leadership to 20th- and 21st-century shifts toward decentralization, polarization, and procedural innovations) have shaped major legislative battles, policy outcomes, and power dynamics in American governance. By the end of the course, participants will be able to explain the role of Congress in the Constitutional order, how and why Congress has changed over time and how rules, organization and structures shape political debates and decision-making in the United States. Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate College of Arts & Sciences Political Science