How Congress Works and Why You Should Care de Lee H. Hamilton

How Congress Works and Why You Should Care

Lee H. Hamilton

en Limba Engleză Paperback – 25 feb 2004

How Congress Works and Why You Should Care is a concise introduction to the functions and vital role of the U.S. Congress by eminent former Congressman Lee H. Hamilton. Drawing on 34 years as a U.S. Representative, Hamilton explains how Congress reflects the diversity of the American people, serves as a forum for finding consensus, and provides balance within the federal government. Addressing widespread public misperceptions, he outlines areas where Congress can work better and ways for citizens to become more engaged in public affairs through their representatives in Washington. How Congress Works and Why You Should Care is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the inner workings of Congress, and how all citizens can participate in its unique mission.

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Cuprins

Chapter One:The Role of CongressWhy Congress existsCore principle: Sovereignty of the PeopleCore principle: Balancing powers in government Congress and the President Why federalism works Key power: Passing the basic laws of the land Key power: The power of the purse Key power: Congress and foreign policy Congress and individual libertiesThe roots of our successChapter Two:The Impact of CongressCongress and the fabric of our lives Government's greatest endeavors An ordinary day Congress does more work than meets the eye A balanced view of Congress Members of Congress who had an impact Chapter Three: How Congress WorksA complex institutionAn evolving institutionThe many roles of a member of CongressRepresenting constituentsHow a bill really becomes lawWhy we need more politiciansPower in CongressThe House and the SenateThe awesome responsibility of votingThe frustrations and rewards of CongressChapter Four: Public Criticisms of Congress"Members are a bunch of crooks.""There's too much wasteful, pork-barrel spending by Congress.""Legislators just bicker and never get anything done.""You can't trust what members of Congress say.""Congress almost seems designed to promote total gridlock.""Members of Congress compromise too much.""There's too much money in politics today.""Members are out of touch with their constituents.""Congress is run by lobbyists and special interests"ConclusionChapter Five: Key Ways Congress Could Work BetterDeclining civility The importance of good processBetter White House/Congress consultationTrue congressional oversight Improving ethics enforcementThinking about the future The money chase Improving public understanding of CongressTackling the tough issuesCongress and the common goodConclusionChapter Six: Civic ParticipationA failure to communicateBeing more involved in the work of Congress The cornerstones of active citizenship Making your views known to Congress Individuals who have made a differenceCan the people govern? Strengthening representative democracyAppendix: Communicating with CongressNotesIndex

Recenzii

Lee Hamilton's book not only describes the Madisonian vision of what Congress is supposed to be and assesses how it measures up to that vision today, it also serves the same function of educating and edifying the American public that the Federalist papers did.... Every student of Congress, and every American, can benefit from this book.--Norman J. Ornstein, Resident Scholar, American Enterprise Institute

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How Congress Works and Why You Should Care

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Preț: 99^.34 lei