Customer Reviews

The Congressional Experience: A View From The Hill (Transforming American Politics)

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

 

 

Price tells the real story of how the Congress works. What happens to a new member upon arrival to the Capitol Hill? Many people have a picture in their mind that gives a simple, mechanical explanation of how the Congress works: a representative is elected and works for his/her constituency. Price show the inner power dynamic of Congress, with its system of seniority and committee assignments. This is a valuable, readable, and very informative contribution.

I was hoping for so much more in this book. The first couple chapters about campaigning (and the wins and losses that go with it) were interesting and readable. But the part I was really looking forward to - the chapters on the legislative process - were horribly dry and unorganized. Still, Price picked it up again towards the end when he talked about his district work. Readable first-person accounts of Congress are needed - still.

This is a very unique book. Written by David Price, a Duke University academic who serves as a Member of Congress, is written from the perspective of an outsider who goes "inside". Most political science scholars don't involve themselves in actual politics, which makes this book unique. I enjoyed reading Price's narrative of life inside the Congress, and as a political scientist he focused an important amount of attention on congress as an institution. This book is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in how congress works. This book is easily readable in any setting.

I use this book for a course on congress and as a reference for my congressional intern-ship. Great book and met Rep. Price !! discussed the book and found it interesting his update of events as it related to daily congressional campaigns and work !! :) I recommend it as a good read too for people interested in what does behind the scene in congress !!