Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.