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Congress & Its Members
The tension between Congress as a lawmaking institution and Congress as a collection of re-election-minded politicians has proven to be a powerful and effective way to understand Congress and the legislative process. Over nine editions, thousands of students have benefited from Davidson and Oleszek's tightly organized framework, as well as from their engaging and vivid narrative. Helping students understand the institution's evolution, Congress and Its Members paints broad brush strokes, while effectively showing enough color and detail to ground students in important concepts. Each chapter of the tenth edition will feature new analysis of the most recent and important scholarship. While the authors discuss the overall position and prospects for congressional government, they will include up-to-the-minute details
496 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 9, 2017
Really insightful on how the interworkings of Congress are intertwined and slow moving. Also explains why our political system is as divided as it is today through the lense of political party influence.
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July 25, 2019Finished this like in April but forgot to write it here.
September 15, 2018
PLS 305: Congress and the Presidency
This was published in 2017 & already has stuff that is out of date because the Trump admin staff turnover is WILD.
Most detailed textbook I've ever had.
This was published in 2017 & already has stuff that is out of date because the Trump admin staff turnover is WILD.
Most detailed textbook I've ever had.
November 26, 2009
I have ordered this book in its many editions for classes that I have taught on Congress and Legislative Politics. It is one of the best general texts available--and readily accessible to those who are simply interested in the politics of Congress.
One of the key points made by the authors is that there are "two Congresses": One of these is the Congress of "how a bill becomes a law," of the actions and politics characteristic of Capitol Hill. The other is the operation of representatives in their home districts, acting on behalf of their constituents, "the folks back home." The two worlds that members of Congress live in (Washington D. C. and "back home") can produce tensions and dilemmas for members of the legislature. But these conflicts help us to understand the complex nature of Congressional politics and decision-making.
Lawmakers cannot just live in the one Congress or the other. They must navigate and negotiate between the two.
This text covers the full territory, from the history of Congress, to how one ends up getting elected to Congress, to how Congress works and its interactions with other key political actors, to the policy process of which Congress is a key.
For anyone--students or citizens--interested in the nature of Congress, this represents a good starting point.
One of the key points made by the authors is that there are "two Congresses": One of these is the Congress of "how a bill becomes a law," of the actions and politics characteristic of Capitol Hill. The other is the operation of representatives in their home districts, acting on behalf of their constituents, "the folks back home." The two worlds that members of Congress live in (Washington D. C. and "back home") can produce tensions and dilemmas for members of the legislature. But these conflicts help us to understand the complex nature of Congressional politics and decision-making.
Lawmakers cannot just live in the one Congress or the other. They must navigate and negotiate between the two.
This text covers the full territory, from the history of Congress, to how one ends up getting elected to Congress, to how Congress works and its interactions with other key political actors, to the policy process of which Congress is a key.
For anyone--students or citizens--interested in the nature of Congress, this represents a good starting point.
December 16, 2009
I have ordered this book in its many editions for classes that I have taught on Congress and Legislative Politics. It is one of the best general texts available--and readily accessible to those who are simply interested in the politics of Congress.
One of the key points made by the authors is that there are "two Congresses": One of these is the Congress of "how a bill becomes a law," of the actions and politics characteristic of Capitol Hill. The other is the operation of representatives in their home districts, acting on behalf of their constituents, "the folks back home." The two worlds that members of Congress live in (Washington D. C. and "back home") can produce tensions and dilemmas for members of the legislature. But these conflicts help us to understand the complex nature of Congressional politics and decision-making.
Lawmakers cannot just live in the one Congress or the other. They must navigate and negotiate between the two.
This text covers the full territory, from the history of Congress, to how one ends up getting elected to Congress, to how Congress works and its interactions with other key political actors, to the policy process of which Congress is a key.
For anyone--students or citizens--interested in the nature of Congress, this represents a good starting point.
One of the key points made by the authors is that there are "two Congresses": One of these is the Congress of "how a bill becomes a law," of the actions and politics characteristic of Capitol Hill. The other is the operation of representatives in their home districts, acting on behalf of their constituents, "the folks back home." The two worlds that members of Congress live in (Washington D. C. and "back home") can produce tensions and dilemmas for members of the legislature. But these conflicts help us to understand the complex nature of Congressional politics and decision-making.
Lawmakers cannot just live in the one Congress or the other. They must navigate and negotiate between the two.
This text covers the full territory, from the history of Congress, to how one ends up getting elected to Congress, to how Congress works and its interactions with other key political actors, to the policy process of which Congress is a key.
For anyone--students or citizens--interested in the nature of Congress, this represents a good starting point.
September 16, 2016
Very in-depth look at Congress
February 13, 2017
Standard rules and procedures, structure, and day-to-day description of how Congress works. In-depth but dry.
February 26, 2024
2024 Book #10
Congress and Its Members
by Roger H Davidson
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 (2017)
Dejavu! I swear I read an earlier edition of this book in 1993 for an 'Intro to Politics' class. Regardless, it was a good read about a subject I've been teaching for years. A few details, caught my attention, like only 10% of the population votes split ticket. I've been teaching the corresponding fact that 90% of voters are party centered voters, which contributes to polarization. Lots of good, basic information here about election process, styles of representation, differences between the two chambers, the dance of legislation, the incumbency advantage, campaign finance reform, and the sharing of power with the executive branch. I absolutely see congruence between this book and the college board's AP government and politics curriculum.
Congress and Its Members
by Roger H Davidson
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 (2017)
Dejavu! I swear I read an earlier edition of this book in 1993 for an 'Intro to Politics' class. Regardless, it was a good read about a subject I've been teaching for years. A few details, caught my attention, like only 10% of the population votes split ticket. I've been teaching the corresponding fact that 90% of voters are party centered voters, which contributes to polarization. Lots of good, basic information here about election process, styles of representation, differences between the two chambers, the dance of legislation, the incumbency advantage, campaign finance reform, and the sharing of power with the executive branch. I absolutely see congruence between this book and the college board's AP government and politics curriculum.
November 1, 2016
The other book I had to read for my Congress and Legislative power class. Like more college textbooks, some chapters with certain topics were more interesting to learn about than other chapters and topics. I did learn a lot about Congress and it's process.
December 15, 2008
Excellent book for students of political science. Describes Congress from its beginnings to present. Also, organizational structures of Congress; parties, committees, etc.
March 1, 2013
Read for a grad school lobbying course. Actually a good, conversational read if you want to learn about Congress.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews