Congress in Context - Softcover

"Thorough, well-written, and provides a unique insider’s account of Congress’s relationship with the broader political system. The authors combine classic congressional scholarship with contemporary policy issues to explain the nuts and bolts of how Congress functions as a policymaker within a complex system of shared powers."
?Alison Howard, Dominican University of California

"The framework of 'Congress as a board of directors' is unique?it gets at what the institution does in an interesting and accessible way.”
?David Dulio, Oakland University

?Realistic without being cynical, serious without being grave. Readers of this book will come away with a richer understanding of the powers and limitations of Congress."
?John J. Pitney Jr., Claremont McKenna College

Grounded in the latest political science literature coupled with contemporary examples, Congress in Context de-mystifies the institution and offers students an informed yet accessible introduction to how the legislative branch carries out its duties. Using the metaphor of a board of directors, the authors explain the three key roles of Congress within the federal government?authorizing what government does, funding its activities, and supervising how It carries out the laws Congress passes. The thoroughly expanded and revised second edition features brand-new chapters on Congress and the courts and Congress and interest groups. It also included expanded coverage of Congress’s relationship with the executive branch, campaign finance, and today’s major budget issues.

JOHN HASKELL is Assistant Director and Senior Specialist, Government and Finance Division, with the Congressional Research Service. Haskell was Senior Fellow with the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University from 2000 to 2013.

MARIAN CURRINDER is Senior Fellow with the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University.

SARA A. GROVE is professor in the Department of Political Science at Shippensburg University.