Mehr lesen
Informationen zum Autor Lee H. Hamilton served Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1965 to 1999 and is Director of The Center on Congress at Indiana University Bloomington. He is author of How Congress Works and Why You Should Care (IUP, 2004) Klappentext With the benefit of an insider's perspective, distinguished former congressman Lee H. Hamilton argues that America needs a stronger Congress and a more engaged citizenry in order to ensure responsive and effective democracy. Hamilton explains how Congress has drifted away from the role envisioned for it in the Constitution as a body whose power and influence would be preeminent in the American system of government. He details the steps that Congress should take to re-establish its parity with the executive branch and become an institution that works reliably and effectively for the betterment of the nation-reinforce congressional oversight, restore the deliberative process, curb the influence of lobbyists, and reduce excessive partisanship. Concurrently, Hamilton calls upon Americans to take more seriously their obligations and responsibilities as citizens and engage with the critical issues facing their communities and the nation. Zusammenfassung Argues that America needs a stronger Congress and a more engaged citizenry in order to ensure responsive and effective democracy. This book explains how Congress has drifted away from the role envisioned for it in the Constitution as a body whose power and influence would be preeminent in the American system of government. Inhaltsverzeichnis Contents Preface 1. Why We Need to Restore Power to Congress 2. A Stronger Voice 3. Strengthening Congressional Oversight 4. Restoring the Deliberative Process 5. Reducing Excessive Partisanship 6. Strengthening Ethics Enforcement 7. Curbing the Influence of Lobbyists 8. Strengthening Citizen Participation 9. A Well-Functioning Congress Appendices How to Judge Congress Analyzing Congressional Arguments Twelve Ways to Contact Your Member of Congress Making Your Case Effectively: Some Do's and Don'ts Notes Index ...
