Institutions of American Democracy The Legislative Branch [Hardcover]

The checks and balances provided by the three branches of federal government are essential to nurturing and maintaining American democracy. With the guidance of coeditors Paul J. Quirk and Sarah A. Binder, this collection of essays examines the role of the Legislature in American democracy and the dynamic between the other branches of government, and discusses possible measures for reform.
The volume addresses questions such as: How does Congress serve the values of democracy and American constitutional principles? Which conceptions of those values does it implement, and which does it overlook or fail to realize? What are Congress's strengths and weaknesses in performing the tasks of democratic governance? What reforms, if any, are necessary to ensure the health and success of Congress as an institution of democracy in the future?

DIRECTORY OF CONTRIBUTORS
GENERAL INTRODUCTION: The Legislative Branch as an Institution of American Constitutional Democracy,Jaroslav Pelikan
INTRODUCTION: Congress and American Democracy: Institutions and Performance,Paul J. Quirk and Sarah A. Binder
SECTION I: IDEALS AND DEVELOPMENT
1. Congress and the Constitutional System,Charles Stewart III
2. Institutional Development of Congress,Eric Shickler
3. Actions in the Public Square,David R. Mayhew
SECTION II: ELECTIONS AND REPRESENTATION
4. Modern Campaigns and Representation,Gary C. Jacobson
5. Elections, Parties, and Governance,Sarah A. Binder
6. Representing Racial and Ethnic Minorities,David T. Canon
SECTION III: STRUCTURES AND PROCESSES
7. Committees and Policy Formulation,David W. Rohde
8. Parties and Leadership in the House,Barbara Sinclair
9. Parties and Leadership in the Senate,Steven S. Smith
SECTION IV: POLICY AND PERFORMANCE
10. Interests, Constituencies, and Policy Making,Frances E. Lee
11. Deliberation and DelÃ$