9780190280147

The U. S. Congress: a Very Short Introduction

Format: Paperback

ISBN13: 9780190280147

Paperback|9780190280147


Overview

In the second edition of The U.S. Congress, Donald A. Ritchie, a congressional historian for more than thirty years, takes readers on a fascinating, behind-the-scenes tour of Capitol Hill, pointing out the key players, explaining their behavior, and translating parliamentary language into plain English. No mere civics lesson, this eye-opening book provides an insider's perspective on Congress, matched with a professional historian's analytical insight. After a swift survey of the creation of Congress by the constitutional convention, he begins to unscrew the nuts and pull out the bolts. What is it like to campaign for Congress? To attract large donors? To enter either house with no seniority? He answers these questions and more, explaining committee assignments and committee work, the role of staffers and lobbyists, floor proceedings, parliamentary rules, and coalition building. Ritchie explores the great effort put into constituent service - as representatives and senators respond to requests from groups and individuals - as well as media relations and news coverage. He also explores how the grand concepts we all know from civics class - checks and balances, advise and consent, congressional oversight - work in practice in an age of strong presidents and a muscular Senate minority.

ISBN-13

9780190280147

ISBN-10

019028014X

Weight

2.31 Pounds

Dimensions

6.80 x 4.20 x 0.50 In

List Price

$11.95

Edition

2nd Edition

Format

Paperback

Language

English

Pages

168 pages

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Published On

2016-08-03



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