Notice bibliographique
- Notice
Type(s) de contenu et mode(s) de consultation : Texte noté : sans médiation
Auteur(s) : Ritchie, Donald Arthur (1945-....)
Titre(s) : The U.S. Congress [Texte imprimé] : a very short introduction / Donald A. Ritchie
Édition : 3rd ed.
Publication : New York, NY : Oxford University Press, copyright 2023
Description matérielle : 1 vol. (XXI-152 p.) : ill. ; 18 cm
Collection : Very short introductions ; 244
Lien à la collection : Very short introductions
Note(s) : Bibliogr. p. 138-144. Index
"Compromise is essential for accomplishing anything significant in the legislative
arena, and yet recent political polarization has made compromise much harder to achieve.
The U.S. Congress was created by a compromise at the Constitutional Convention, which
established a House of Representatives apportioned by population, and a Senate in
which all states would be equal. The House set rules to allow its majority to prevail,
while Senate rules gave more muscle to the minority. Although Congress is divided
between two such widely different bodies, no legislation can be enacted, or funds
appropriated, without full agreement from both. The membership of Congress has grown
increasingly diverse, with more women and minorities being elected. But it has also
become more divided, with members of the party conferences voting together more than
ninety percent of the time. After winning a seat, members must make choices between
national needs and constituent approval. Compromises necessary to passing legislation
may prove unpopular and cause primary challenges. Members devote much attention to
constituent services and adopt the latest technology to communicate with voters. The
news media also plays a key role in making or breaking congressional careers. The
Congress examines the legislative process, from committee assignments to floor procedures,
and conference that reconcile disagreements. The contrasting rules of the two bodies
require different strategies and tactics. Members of the larger House band together
by party, state delegation, or caucuses, to increase their impact. Being able to filibuster,
senators exert more individual influence. Legislation is shaped largely in committees
but also by the floor leaders. Some committees wield more power than others, particularly
the Appropriations Committees, which control government spending In the constitutional
system of checks and balances, the three branches share power. Legislation passed
by Congress may be vetoed by the president or overturned by the Supreme Court. Presidents
appeal to Congress to enact and fund their proposals. The Senate votes to confirm
or reject the president's nominations-including members of the judiciary. Polarized
politics have prompted the Senate majority to employ a "nuclear option" to prevent
filibusters on nominations. While the presidency has grown more powerful, Congress
retains the ability to investigate executive branch behavior and to impeach and remove
presidents, judges, and other federal office holders. Over time, Congress has expanded
in size, filling a vast Capitol complex to accommodate, members and their staffs,
along with a myriad of constituents, lobbyists, reporters, and other visitors. As
a symbol of American democracy, the Capitol has also become a target. Burned by British
troops during the War of 1812, threatened on September 11, 2001, and invaded on January
6, 2021, the Capitol has steadily increased security while also seeking to remain
on open public view. This new edition explains how Congress has evolved and adjusted
to changes in American politics and society"
Autre(s) forme(s) du titre :
- Autre forme du titre : United States Congress (a very short introduction)
Sujet(s) : Etats-Unis. Congress -- Histoire
Indice(s) Dewey :
328.73 (23e éd.) = Processus législatif - États-Unis
Identifiants, prix et caractéristiques : ISBN 9780197620786. - ISBN 0197620787. - ISBN 9780197620793 (erroné). - ISBN 9780197620809
(erroné)
Identifiant de la notice : ark:/12148/cb47352978w
Notice n° :
FRBNF47352978
(notice reprise d'un réservoir extérieur)
Table des matières : The great compromise -- ; Campaigns and constituents -- ; In committee -- ; On the
floor -- ; Checks and balances -- ; The Capitol complex.