Triumphs and Tragedies of the Modern Congress: Case Studies in Legislative Leadership
440
Triumphs and Tragedies of the Modern Congress: Case Studies in Legislative Leadership
440Hardcover
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Overview
In many ways, Congress has shaped decades of prosperity at home and what is known as the "American Century" abroad. Great individuals have shaped the institution while also overcoming partisanship and rivalry for the sake of the nation. Still, others have succumbed to hubris and the pressure for partisan discord. Throughout this narrative, power has shifted regularly between Congress and the president, creating a very different era of conflict and collaboration.
This book examines what has worked and what has failed, the extraordinary individuals who have led America's citizen legislators, and the landmark battles and victories that have shaped our nation's history. It offers the stories behind the headlines, the thinking behind key decisions, and the difficult compromises that have marked the most important episodes in Congressional history.
An invaluable resource for political science majors and researchers in the field, professionals in Washington working in congressional offices, and readers interested in how Congress works and the reasons for recurring gridlock in government, Triumphs and Tragedies of the Modern Congress: Case Studies in Legislative Leadership describes how Congress has fought internally and externally to define itself and protect its prerogatives, identifying means and methods, politics and pitfalls, collaboration and conflict, challenges and breakthroughs, and unintended consequences throughout history. Case studies of notable congressional leaders that highlight their significant actions—both good and bad—are also provided.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781440831997 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Bloomsbury Academic |
| Publication date: | 10/10/2014 |
| Pages: | 440 |
| Product dimensions: | 6.10(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.20(d) |
About the Author
James Kitfield is a contributing editor and a former senior correspondent at National Jourbanal who has written on national security, intelligence, and foreign policy issues for more than two decades.
During his long career in public service, Christopher P. Lu has served in all three branches of the federal government and is an expert on how policy gets made in Washington.
Norman Ornstein is resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and contributing editor and columnist for National Jourbanal and The Atlantic.
Table of Contents
Foreword David M. Abshire, PhD xv
Introduction Maxmillian Angerholzer III Christopher P. Lu James Kitfield Norman Ornstein xvii
Section I "Congress 101" 1
1 An "Invitation to Struggle": Congress and the Constitution Norman Ornstein 3
2 Building Blocks of Legislation: Congressional Committees and Procedures C. Lawrence Evans 8
3 Zero-Sum Governing: The Permanent Campaign Norman Ornstein 17
4 The Influence Business: Lobbying in Washington Lee Drutman 22
Section II The Individuals Who Shaped the Modern Congress 31
5 Sam Rayburn: The Power of Persuasion Anthony Champagne 33
6 Gerald Ford: A Politician without Enemies Richard Reeves 37
7 Thomas "Tip" O'Neill: New Deal Champion John A. Farrell 41
8 Dan Rostenkowski: The Deal-Maker Richard Cohen 47
9 Newt Gingrich: The Partisan Revolutionary Linda Killian 53
10 Tom DeLay: Power and Hubris Jan Reid 60
11 Dennis Hastert: The Accidental Speaker Michael Dorning 65
12 Nancy Pelosi: The Pioneer Elaine S. Povich 69
13 Richard Russell Jr.: Patriarch of the Senate Sheryl B. Vogt 74
14 Robert A. Taft: Mr. Republican James Patterson 80
15 Lyndon B. Johnson: Presidential Legislator Joseph A. Califano Jr. 86
16 Jesse Helms: The Unapologetic Conservative David B. Frisk 91
17 Edward "Ted" Kennedy: A Liberal Lion Susan Milligan 98
18 Sam Nunn: Strategic Leadership David M. Abshire 102
19 Richard G. Lugar: Statesman of the Senate John T. Shaw 108
20 John McCain: The Happy Warrior Joe Lieberman 112
Section III Congress and Domestic Policy 117
21 Regulating Sunrise and Sunset: The Long Arm of the Commerce Clause Susan Sullivan Logon 119
22 In Roosevelt's Shadow: The New Deal Congress Patrick Mancy 125
23 Dawn of a New Era: Building the Modern Congress Ross K. Baker 130
24 Defeating Jim Crow: The 1965 Voting Rights Act Kareem U. Crayton 133
25 Great Society Milestones: Medicare and Medicaid Marilyn Moon 139
26 The Power of the Purse: Rethinking Runaway Debt and a Broken Budgeting Process Jason J. Fichtner 145
27 Myth and Reality of the Safety Net: The 1983 Social Security Reforms Rudolph G. Penner 152
28 Bygone Bipartisanship: The Tax Reform Act of 1986 Richard Cohen 157
29 Grand Bargain or Grand Collapse: The Case of Immigration Reform Muzaffar Chishti Charles Kamasaki 163
30 Showdown over Judicial Nominations: Robert Bork Mark Gitenstein 171
31 A Republican Revolution: The 1994 Contract with America Linda Killian 175
32 Compromise amid Bitter Partisanship: The Welfare Reform Law of 1996 Ron Haskins 183
33 The Backfire of Unintended Consequences: The 1997 Balanced Budget Act Scott Lilly 188
34 Before Money Was Speech: Campaign Finance Reform Susan Milligan 195
35 Federal Reform of Education: No Child Left Behind Patrick McGuinn 201
Section IV Congress and National Security 211
36 FDR versus Congressional Isolationists: The Road to World War II Carl Cannon 213
37 A Superpower's Foundation: The National Security Act of 1947 Katherine A. Scott 225
38 Un-American Investigations: McCarthyism and the Red Scare Ellen Schrecker 231
39 A Blank Check for War: The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution Marvin Kalb 238
40 From Draftees to Professionals: The All-Volunteer Force James Kitfield 245
41 Congress Takes a Stand: The 1973 War Powers Resolution Dan Mahaffee 253
42 Shining a Light on Spycrart: The Church and Pike Committees Loch K. Johnson 263
43 Against All Odds: The Goldwater-Nichols Defense Reorganization James Kitfield 269
44 The Triumph of Process over Politics: The Base Closure Commissions David Berteau 278
45 A Powers Tug-of-War: The Iraq War Resolutions James Kitfield 287
46 An Imperfect Compromise: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" James Kitfield 294
47 License to Spy: The USA PATRIOT Act James Kitfield 300
48 Reforming National Intelligence: The 9/11 Commission Michael Allen 306
49 Changing Course in a Time of War: Congress and the 2006 Iraq Study Group Jordan Tama 311
Section V Congress and Presidential Scandal 319
50 A President Resigns: The Watergate Scandal Keith Olson 321
51 In Watergate's Shadow: The Iran-Contra Scandal Ross Cheit 327
52 Political Warfare on the Potomac: The Lewinsky Scandal and Clinton Impeachment Kirk Victor 333
Notes 341
Selected Bibliography 371
Contributors 385
Acknowledgments 391
Index 393
About the Editors 415
What People are Saying About This
"Triumphs & Tragedies of the Modern Congress is a magnificent collection of objective, fair critiques of Congress. These historical case studies remind us, as Ben Franklin said, 'We have a Republic, if you can keep it!'"
"This anthology offers a wonderful insight into the many interesting policies and people found within the world's greatest deliberative body. I salute Norm, James, Chris, and Max for creating a useful tool for students, policymakers, and citizens; and David Abshire's wisdom in inspiring this project."
"The lessons of history are an essential guide to those in Congress- particularly in times of crisis. Triumphs and Tragedies of the Modern Congress is a valuable resource to those policymakers who are struggling with the difficult issues of the day. These case studies can teach and inspire policymakers as they try to meet the ever-changing challenges of our time."