The Legislative Branch of Federal Government: People, Process, and Politics

Front Cover
Bloomsbury Academic, Aug 20, 2008 - Political Science - 511 pages

This volume focuses on the U.S. Congress, its history, constitutional powers, daily workings, and the politics that affect its operation.

Spanning the history of the federal system of government of the United States, The Legislative Branch of Federal Government: People, Process, and Politics looks at the evolution of the U.S. Congress over the past 225+ years, then describes its current structure, responsibilities, and daily operations.

Readers will learn how congressional powers have changed with different interpretations of the Constitution, how a colorful gallery of power brokers (famous and infamous) made its mark, and how politics (both electoral and within the Capitol) affects legislation, oversight efforts, and other actions. The volume includes a "mini-pedia" of alphabetically organized entries and the concluding chapter highlights some fascinating examples of interactions between Congress and the other branches of federal government.

About the author (2008)

Gary P. Gershman, PhD, is assistant professor of history and legal studies in the Division of Humanities at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL. His published works include ABC-CLIO's Death Penalty on Trial.