America's Congress: Actions in the Public Sphere, James Madison Through Newt Gingrich [Hardcover]

Professor David R. Mayhew (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 11, 2000

To understand American politics and government, we need to recognize that members of Congress are more than agents of societal interests and preferences -- they also act with some autonomy and consequence in the public sphere. In this illuminating book, a distinguished political scientist examines the actions of members of Congress throughout American history, assessing their patterns and importance and their role in the U.S. system of separation of powers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Splendid." Michael Barone, Public Interest "In this important book, Mayhew uses common sense to turn historical scholarship into data. And he fulfills his purpose, to evaluate 'public affairs in a democracy' rather than merely to deplore its passing." Theodore J. Lowi, Cornell University "A book that every student of Congress will want to read." Gary C. Jacobson, author of The Politics of Congressional Elections "An intriguing book, America's Congress explores a key gap in the formal study of national politics and provides an instructive look into the dynamics of Congress." Joshua Micah Marshall, American Prospect "This splendid work offers convincing evidence that representative democracy is alive and well in America and making a significant difference. I predict it will become a standard text in government courses." Lee Edwards, World & I --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

To understand American politics and government, we need to recognize not only that members of Congress are agents of societal interests and preferences but also that they act with a certain degree of autonomy and consequence in the country's public sphere. In this illuminating book, a distinguished political scientist examines actions performed by members of Congress throughout American history, assessing their patterns and importance and their role in the American system of separation of powers.David R. Mayhew examines standard history books on the United States and identifies more than two thousand actions by individual members of the House and Senate that are significant enough to be mentioned. Mayhew offers insights into a wide range of matters, from the nature of congressional opposition to presidents and the surprising frequency of foreign policy actions to the timing of notable activity within congressional careers (and the way that congressional term limits might affect these performances). His book sheds new light on the contributions to U.S. history made by members of Congress.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 268 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (August 11, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300080492
• ISBN-13: 978-0300080490
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,356,214 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Good scholarship that's well-written., June 8, 2004

By 

Newsman78 "newsman78" (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: America`s Congress: Actions in the Public Sphere, James Madison Through Newt Gingrich (Paperback)

Mayhew is one of the few political scientists who knows how to write well, which helps make his work accessible to anyone interested in Congress, not just political scientists. This book is an interesting and unusual effort to understand congressmen through their "actions in the public sphere."

Mayhew takes a historical angle in this book, going back to Madison in the First Congress. He is concise, fun to read (as always) and informative. Highly recommended.

4.0 out of 5 stars "Cute" Concept but Worthwhile, October 22, 2002

By 

Barbara Glowaski (Clearwater, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: America`s Congress: Actions in the Public Sphere, James Madison Through Newt Gingrich (Paperback)

Although the analogy used to organized the book was "cute," it was useful in that the presentation was interesting, and at times, powerful and persuasive. The material was current and could be applied to events occurring today-foreign policy issues, the slow track for approval of judicial candidates, the continuing debate over the impact of majority minority districts, and the toll a negative media can take on an institution whose legitimacy depends upon the trust of the people.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinatingly Detailed, November 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: America's Congress: Actions in the Public Sphere, James Madison Through Newt Gingrich (Hardcover)

Mayhew once again delivers an insightful and original treatise on the machinations of the world's preeminent legislative body. A must-read for any serious student of political science.