The Dance of Legislation (Paperback)

~ (Author) "My parents met and fell in love as lower-echelon New Dealers in Washington, D.C., and when they moved to Seattle ten years later, they brought..." (more)
Key Phrases: White House, Surgeon General, Public Health Service (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An outstanding book for undergraduates interested in politics." -- Choice

Product Description

The Dance of Legislation has long been considered a classic description of the legislative process. In it, Eric Redman draws on his two years as a member of Senator Warren Magnuson's staff to trace the drafting and passing of a piece of legislation-S.4106, the National Health Service Bill-with all the maneuvers, plots, counterplots, frustrations, triumphs, and sheer work and dedication involved. He provides a vivid picture of the bureaucratic infighting, political prerogatives, and Congressional courtesies necessary to make something happen on Capitol Hill. In a Postscript to the 2000 edition, Redman reflects on how that process has, and has not, changed in the thirty years since the book was first published.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 317 pages
• Publisher: University of Washington Press; 1 edition (April 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0295980230
• ISBN-13: 978-0295980232
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #134,629 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for scholars and casual observers alike, June 8, 2004

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

This book deserves its reputation as a classic. Redman's story-telling skills are wonderful, he writes well, and clearly explains everything going on in the sometimes arcane world of legislative procedure. He makes the dullest-seeming motions and committee hearings come alive.

Scholars of the Congress should read this, if for no other reason than to get a basic handle on how the Congress actually works, rather than how they think it works in fancy regression analyses. But more than that, it's the starting point for a whole genre of work such as Showdown at Gucci Culch, Conflict and Compromise, and The Bill (all of which are must-reads as well). Even a casual observer of politics can get excited and interested.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Look At The Goings On Inside The U.S. Congress, August 7, 1998

By	Tab L. Uno ([e-mail] (Salt Lake City, Utah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dance of Legislation (Hardcover)

The year was 1970, President Nixon was still in office, however, an intern by the name of Eric Redman was on hand in the halls of Congress to witness the fascinating dance of legislation as The National Health Service Corps was attempting to be born. This book provides a personal account of the birth and struggles of the attempt to pass a piece of legislation from within the private confines of who was then the second most powerful United States Senator, Warren Magnuson from the State of Washington. While the names have changed, the struggle for a balance between power, influence, and social consciousness and survival remains the same. This book is as fantastic look behind the scenes of the most influential body of power on earth contains the essential ingredients today as a quarter of a century ago. It is a must read for anyone with an interest in political legislation and stands alone in its own right as a factual story that is as fascinating and compelling as any! fictional novel you will ever read.

5.0 out of 5 stars An EXCELLENT Read, October 22, 2002

By A Customer

This book is the most informative and best written book I have ever read on politics. It's filled with humor and candid comments about the United States Congress.