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How Congress Works and Why You Should Care is a concise introduction to the functions and vital role of the U.S. Congress by eminent former Congressman Lee H. Hamilton. Drawing on 34 years as a U.S. Representative, Hamilton explains how Congress reflects the diversity of the American people, serves as a forum for finding consensus, and provides balance within the federal government. Addressing widespread public misperceptions, he outlines areas where Congress can work better and ways for citizens to become more engaged in public affairs through their representatives in Washington. How Congress Works and Why You Should Care is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the inner workings of Congress, and how all citizens can participate in its unique mission.
— Charlie Cook, Editor and Publisher
Chapter One: The Role of Congress Why Congress exists Core principle: Sovereignty of the People Core principle: Balancing powers in government Congress and the President Why federalism works Key power: Passing the basic laws of the land Key power: The power of the purse Key power: Congress and foreign policy Congress and individual liberties The roots of our success
Chapter Two: The Impact of Congress Congress and the fabric of our lives Government's greatest endeavors An ordinary day Congress does more work than meets the eye A balanced view of Congress Members of Congress who had an impact
Chapter Three: How Congress Works A complex institution An evolving institution The many roles of a member of Congress Representing constituents How a bill really becomes law Why we need more politicians Power in Congress The House and the Senate The awesome responsibility of voting The frustrations and rewards of Congress
Chapter Four: Public Criticisms of Congress
"Members are a bunch of crooks."
"There's too much wasteful, pork-barrel spending by Congress."
"Legislators just bicker and never get anything done."
"You can't trust what members of Congress say."
"Congress almost seems designed to promote total gridlock."
"Members of Congress compromise too much."
"There's too much money in politics today."
"Members are out of touch with their constituents."
"Congress is run by lobbyists and special interests"
Conclusion
Chapter Five: Key Ways Congress Could Work Better Declining civility The importance of good process Better White House/Congress consultation True congressional oversight Improving ethics enforcement Thinking about the future The money chase Improving public understanding of Congress Tackling the tough issues Congress and the common good Conclusion
Chapter Six: Civic Participation A failure to communicate Being more involved in the work of Congress The cornerstones of active citizenship Making your views known to Congress Individuals who have made a difference Can the people govern?
Strengthening representative democracy
Appendix: Communicating with Congress Notes Index
Overview
How Congress Works and Why You Should Care is a concise introduction to the functions and vital role of the U.S. Congress by eminent former Congressman Lee H. Hamilton. Drawing on 34 years as a U.S. Representative, Hamilton explains how Congress reflects the diversity of the American people, serves as a forum for finding consensus, and provides balance within the federal government. Addressing widespread public misperceptions, he outlines areas where Congress can work better and ways for citizens to become more ...