Congress in Context

The U.S. Congress is by far the least popular branch of the federal government. It is also probably the least understood. It is not uncommon for high-ranking government officials to be confused about the workings of the institution and how it exercises its power. This book aims to demystify the institution-to give readers a succinct yet sophisticated overview of Congress and the policymaking process. Instead of treating Congress as an entity isolated from the rest of government, Congress in Context introduces readers to Congress's critical role as part of an interdependent system. Using the metaphor of Congress as a board of directors, author John Haskell explains the three key roles of Congress within the federal government-authorizing what government does, funding its activities, and, when it sees fit, supervising or "conducting oversight" on those activities. Grounded in current political science literature and packed with real-life examples, Congress in Context offers readers an informed and practical understanding of policymaking in the legislative branch.

Table of Contents:
Contents * 1. Congress as Board of Directors * 2. The Nature of Congress * 3. Congressional Elections * 4. Congress as Board of Directors: Authorizing the Work of Government * 5. Congress as Board of Directors: Funding the Government * 6. Congress as Board of Directors: Oversight of the Executive Branch * 7. The Board of Directors Meets Its Match: The Case of War Powers * 8. The Board of Directors in the Twenty-First Century

About the Author :
John Haskell is Senior Fellow at the Government Affairs Institute in Washington, D.C. He has written several articles on presidential and congressional politics, and is the author of Fundamentally Flawed, an examination of the presidential nomination process.

Review :
"Haskell's "Congress in Context" offers faculty a terrific alternative for courses on Congress. It carefully balances depth and breadth, while remaining both substantive and engaging. It features exceptionally clear and accessible presentations of topics that students normally find confounding, such as the budget process and legislative procedure." --Garry Young, George Washington University ""Congress in Context "is a very nice textbook. It is sharply written, very current, achieves a nice balance between details and over-arching themes, and is pitched at just the right level for classroom use. Haskell combines the insights of a keen observer of the inner workings of Washington with an experienced teacher's instincts of how to relay information to college students. He places Congress squarely within the political context of modern Washington and explains not only how Congress works, but why students should care." --L. Marvin Overby, University of Missouri ""Congress in Context" lives up to its title. John Haskell does an excellent job of putting the institution in its historical, legal, and constitutional context. He does particularly fine work in explaining the power of the purse. His deep knowledge and lively prose lend clarity to a topic that can confuse even longtime Washington hands. His approach is 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 "Haskell's Congress in Context offers faculty a terrific alternative for courses on Congress. It carefully balances depth and breadth, while remaining both substantive and engaging. It features exceptionally clear and accessible presentations of topics that students normally find confounding, such as the budget process and legislative procedure." --Garry Young, George Washington University "Congress in Context is a very nice textbook. It is sharply written, very current, achieves a nice balance between details and over-arching themes, and is pitched at just the right level for classroom use. Haskell combines the insights of a keen observer of the inner workings of Washington with an experienced teacher's instincts of how to relay information to college students. He places Congress squarely within the political context of modern Washington and explains not only how Congress works, but why students should care." --L. Marvin Overby, University of Missouri Haskell s Congress in Context offers faculty a terrific alternative for courses on Congress. It carefully balances depth and breadth, while remaining both substantive and engaging. It features exceptionally clear and accessible presentations of topics that students normally find confounding, such as the budget process and legislative procedure. Garry Young, George Washington University Congress in Context is a very nice textbook. It is sharply written, very current, achieves a nice balance between details and over-arching themes, and is pitched at just the right level for classroom use.Haskell combines the insights of a keen observer of the inner workings of Washington with an experienced teacher s instincts of how to relay information to college students.He places Congress squarely within the political context of modern Washington and explains not only how Congress works, but why students should care. L. Marvin Overby, University of Missouri"