Author Description

Criticism of Congress is commonplace in American politics. When Congress passes presidential programs, it is accused of being a "rubber stamp"; when it balks, the cry is "obstruction." In recent years, however, responsible critics have increasingly expressed concern that Congress is losing its ability to act quickly and decisively. In this book, eight political observers report on the functions and procedures of Congress. The book discusses some of the roadblocks that prevent Congress from legislating effectively--among them seniority rule, the filibuster, the dispersion of power among specialized committees, and, above all, the growing insulation of Congress from other social groups and political institutions. Among the observations and proposals made in this book is the suggestion that, unless congressional leaders can reverse the trends toward dispersion, Congress may cease to be a legislative body in the traditional sense.