Congress: Games and Strategies

by Stephen E. Frantzich

Games and Strategies , fourth edition, is an up-to-date look at the 21st century Congress from the perspective of a professional political scientist and congressional staff member turned academic. As such, it provides both academic and real-world insights into the unique and often impenetrable world of our national legislature. Using the most recent academic literature as well as quotes from current members of Congress, it seeks to explore the overlap between theory and reality. The book uses a game analogy as an organizing theme and as a toolbox, recognizing that much of Congress' activity is understood by analyzing the players, the rules under which they work, the strategies they employ and the pattern of winning and losing that result. Updated through the 2008 election, the book includes a host of features intended to enhance comprehension, including boxes that allow students to hear what congressmen and congresswomen themselves say about the institution.

450 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 1995

Reviews

[Alex Nelson]

This is a run-of-the-mill introduction to Congress textbook, you would find in any "Poli.Sci. 101" course. It's coquetted with game theoretic terminology, and frames the discussion in that light. But it makes no attempt to model Congress game theoretically. (It will divulge in modelling particular problems game theoretically, however, which may be a redeeming quality to some readers.)