GOV 212 CC: CONGRESS
How powerful is the United States Congress? Accounts of legislative gridlock and low public approval ratings suggest that national lawmakers are doing little and accomplishing less. The designers of the U.S. Constitution, however, expected Congress would pose the greatest threat to their democratic republic, because of this branch’s close electoral ties to a volatile and demanding electorate. The Founders expected Congress to be a dynamic and power hungry branch, ambitious and passionate. Which judgments and expectations are accurate? Both. Congress is a less productive branch at this moment in history, it does not always govern well, and voting reforms and education are needed. But we need to go beyond sweeping criticisms and broad generalizations, if we are to understand how the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate actually deliberate and legislate, conduct oversight and investigations, ratify treaties; and confirm executive and judicial nominees. How does a branch with 535 decision-makers provide leadership to a diverse and polarized nation? When is Congress a productive and effective branch of government? Why does the United States, categorized as a presidential political system, need a well-functioning legislative branch?
Notes
As a ConnCourse, this class will make connections across the liberal arts.
Registration Restrictions
Open to first-year students and sophomores, and to others with permission of the instructor.
Enrollment Limit
Enrollment limited to 26 students.
Attributes
CC, MOIE, W