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Congress and Its Members, 13th Edition 13th Edition

by Roger H Davidson (Author), Walter J Oleszek (Author), Frances E Lee (Author)
4.1 out of 5 stars 21 customer reviews
ISBN-13: 978-1608716425
ISBN-10: 1608716422
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Product Details

  • Series: Congress and Its Members
  • Paperback: 664 pages
  • Publisher: CQ Press College; 13th edition (July 15, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1608716422
  • ISBN-13: 978-1608716425
  • Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #147,848 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsOne of the best textbooks on the subject
By Steven Peterson TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on May 28, 2007
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I have ordered this book in its many editions for classes that I have taught on Congress and Legislative Politics. It is one of the best general texts available--and readily accessible to those who are simply interested in the politics of Congress.

One of the key points made by the authors is that there are "two Congresses": One of these is the Congress of "how a bill becomes a law," of the actions and politics characteristic of Capitol Hill. The other is the operation of representatives in their home districts, acting on behalf of their constituents, "the folks back home." The two worlds that members of Congress live in (Washington D. C. and "back home") can produce tensions and dilemmas for members of the legislature. But these conflicts help us to understand the complex nature of Congressional politics and decision-making.

Lawmakers cannot just live in the one Congress or the other. They must navigate and negotiate between the two.

This text covers the full territory, from the history of Congress, to how one ends up getting elected to Congress, to how Congress works and its interactions with other key political actors, to the policy process of which Congress is a key.

For anyone--students or citizens--interested in the nature of Congress, this represents a good starting point.
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3.0 out of 5 starsKnowledgeable review of mechanics but not effectiveness
By Frank T. Manheim on September 25, 2008
Format: Paperback
The authors are acknowledged experts on the mechanics of the U.S. Congress. They convey acquaintance with the human side of the institution through a folksy style and many anecdotes. They describe "two Congresses", the first relating to constituents, and the second to colleagues. What about performance? What about effectiveness?

Polls now (2008) record an all-time low of 9% for Congress's approval rating. This highlights the authors' glaring myopia and essential omission of the reason for the existence of Congress - to manage the affairs of the nation in a balanced and efficient way.

No doubt, most Senators and Representatives do an excellent job of helping their constituents. They know that reelection depends on this service. The U.S. Congress is probably unique in the world in citizens' access to effective assistance in interfacing with government on a personal level.

But it was not until I recently had occasion to compare U.S. lawmaking with that in leading European nations' parliaments that I realized - to my shock - the arbitrary, serendipitous, and dysfunctional way Congress has come to function since the 1960s. In EU nations' parliaments the party in power initiates a concept for a new major law by first sending it to a relevant ministry. There the concept gets a careful assessment: short-term, long-term impact, vetting with various constituencies affected by the proposed policy, cost, etc. A draft law with the assessment comes back to the governing party or coalition. It is then submitted to the full parliament for debate, amendment, and vote. The pre-analysis process catches conflicts with earlier laws, policies that will generate problems or hostilities gaps and other weaknesses. Dialoging and communication is key.

The post-1970s U.S.Read more ›
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4.0 out of 5 starsexcellent introduction in the United States Congress
By Jason W. Atwell on July 20, 2001
Format: Paperback
"Congress and Its Members" is an excellent textbook for any government student wanting a thorough introduction into the actions and events of the United States' Senate and House of Representatives. The discussion found in the book ranges from the differences between the two houses, their procedures, methods of governance, etc... This book is very easy to read and comprehend what the authors convey.
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5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent Textbook on Congress
By C. Baker VINE VOICE on August 26, 2004
Format: Paperback
This is probably the best textbook on Congress for undergraduates that I have seen. Primarily I like it because it's easy to read and very well written, covers all the important topics, and is not tedious. Now you might think being easy to read isn't important since it's for college students. But believe me, if you want students to actually read the assignment, more engaging texts are important.
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5.0 out of 5 starsThis is a great textbook to read and learn from.
By Amazon Customer on January 17, 2014
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I chose this 5-star rating due to its great content and clarifying material on Congress. I liked the great examples present in the book, in particular. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about Congress.
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5.0 out of 5 starsVery Detailed
By dcasill4 on June 25, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I need this book for my Public Administration class and it was very useful when I needed to take my test. It gives you a good understanding of how Congress is run and what each key members roles are. Very recommended
dcasill4sportsblog.blogspot.com
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3.0 out of 5 starsIntriguing
By lizzb92 on January 14, 2014
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I was very intrigued about this book and wasn't hard for some one who doesn't understand government to get through.
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2.0 out of 5 starsIts an ok book
By BOB! on January 27, 2013
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Book is pretty good at describing congress and its functions but has a constant liberal slant.
In the 1st page the author references the Gaby Gifford shooting and then references the tea party by
quoting a random tea party member who said that they were gunning for her seat or something.
Even though the Tea party had nothing to do with the shooting the author still tried to make that connection.
Could have been a good book but the authors own biases are evident in this book.
For example how he can only find positive examples of democrats and negative examples of republicans is baffling.
In conclusion skip the book
and try a more reputable author.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsGreat

Exactly as described, used for school

Published 12 months ago by Vandad Tarvand
4.0 out of 5 starscollege requirement

College book requirement. Interesting book. I majored in Political Science and this book is engaging and easy to read. If you like the topic, it helps a lot

Published on December 16, 2013 by Idacosta
5.0 out of 5 starsCongress and it's members

Great reads do very informative. It's easy to follow and makes you feel connected to the political process. I would recommend

Published on October 19, 2013 by anthony medina
3.0 out of 5 starsCongress And its Members

This book is very not worth with information. It highlights the constitution as it should be understood. It is a good read.

Published on January 22, 2013 by Barbara Giles
5.0 out of 5 starsAwesome!!!!

so i purchased this book for my class at school. all the info was there and i used it like it should have been. shipping was great.

Published on August 7, 2012 by LEONSK
5.0 out of 5 starsOn time

I am a student and received my books on time. The promptness of receiving books is of great importance to a student.

Published on February 19, 2012 by James S. Hearn
4.0 out of 5 starsInformative

This book gives great insight into the inner workings of Congress. Life on Capitol Hill is not as easy we are taught in high school.

Published on January 8, 2012 by Kevo2005
5.0 out of 5 starsCongress And Its Members

Great book. Very detailed. Good book for those who want to know more how Congress works. Good book for poly sci majors.

Published on July 1, 2011 by Stephen Crawford Boyd
1.0 out of 5 starsTerrible! Completely Biased. Inaccurate. One-sided.

I heard about bias in academia but that did not prepare me for this book. The bias and political agenda of the authors was so apparent it was insulting to read. Read more

Published on October 19, 2010 by Emily3264

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