Stalemate: Causes and Consequences of Legislative Gridlock [Paperback]

Sarah A. Binder (Author), Strobe Talbott (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0815709110 | ISBN-13: 978-0815709114 | Publication Date: February 2003

Critics of American politics have long lamented legislative stalemate as an unfortunate byproduct of divided party government, charging that it brings unnecessary conflict, delays and ineffective policies. Although the term "gridlock" is said to have entered the American political lexicon after the 1980 elections, legislative stalemate is not a modern invention. Alexander Hamilton complained about it more than two centuries ago. In "Stalemate", Sarah Binder examines the causes and consequences of gridlock, exploring the ways in which elections and institutions together limit the capacity of Congress and the president to make public law. Binder illuminates the historical ups and downs of policy stalemate by developing an empirical measure to assess the frequency of gridlock in each Congress since World War II. Her analysis weaves together the effects of institutions and elections, and shows how both intrabranch and interbranch conflict shape legislative performance. Binder also explores the consequences of legislative gridlock, assessing whether and to what degree it affects electoral fortunes, political ambitions and institutional reputations of legislators and presidents alike.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sarah A. Binder is a senior fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution and an associate professor of political science at George Washington University. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Brookings Institution Press (February 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815709110
• ISBN-13: 978-0815709114
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #482,020 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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