Congressional Ambivalence

The Political Burdens of Constitutional Authority

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory, Government
Cover of the book Congressional Ambivalence by Jasmine Farrier, The University Press of Kentucky
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jasmine Farrier ISBN: 9780813139692
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky Publication: September 1, 2010
Imprint: The University Press of Kentucky Language: English
Author: Jasmine Farrier
ISBN: 9780813139692
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky
Publication: September 1, 2010
Imprint: The University Press of Kentucky
Language: English

Is the United States Congress dead, alive, or trapped in a moribund cycle? When confronted with controversial policy issues, members of Congress struggle to satisfy conflicting legislative, representative, and oversight duties. These competing goals, along with the pressure to satisfy local constituents, cause members of Congress to routinely cede power on a variety of policies, express regret over their loss of control, and later return to the habit of delegating their power. This pattern of institutional ambivalence undermines conventional wisdom about congressional party resurgence, the power of oversight, and the return of the so-called imperial presidency.

In Congressional Ambivalence, Jasmine Farrier examines Congress's frequent delegation of power by analyzing primary source materials such as bills, committee reports, and the Congressional Record. Farrier demonstrates that Congress is caught between abdication and ambition and that this ambivalence affects numerous facets of the legislative process.

Explaining specific instances of post-delegation disorder, including Congress's use of new bills, obstruction, public criticism, and oversight to salvage its lost power, Farrier exposes the tensions surrounding Congress's roles in recent hot-button issues such as base-closing commissions, presidential trade promotion authority, and responses to the attacks of September 11. She also examines shifting public rhetoric used by members of Congress as they emphasize, in institutionally self-conscious terms, the difficulties of balancing their multiple roles. With a deep understanding of the inner workings of the federal government, Farrier illuminates a developing trend in the practice of democracy.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Is the United States Congress dead, alive, or trapped in a moribund cycle? When confronted with controversial policy issues, members of Congress struggle to satisfy conflicting legislative, representative, and oversight duties. These competing goals, along with the pressure to satisfy local constituents, cause members of Congress to routinely cede power on a variety of policies, express regret over their loss of control, and later return to the habit of delegating their power. This pattern of institutional ambivalence undermines conventional wisdom about congressional party resurgence, the power of oversight, and the return of the so-called imperial presidency.

In Congressional Ambivalence, Jasmine Farrier examines Congress's frequent delegation of power by analyzing primary source materials such as bills, committee reports, and the Congressional Record. Farrier demonstrates that Congress is caught between abdication and ambition and that this ambivalence affects numerous facets of the legislative process.

Explaining specific instances of post-delegation disorder, including Congress's use of new bills, obstruction, public criticism, and oversight to salvage its lost power, Farrier exposes the tensions surrounding Congress's roles in recent hot-button issues such as base-closing commissions, presidential trade promotion authority, and responses to the attacks of September 11. She also examines shifting public rhetoric used by members of Congress as they emphasize, in institutionally self-conscious terms, the difficulties of balancing their multiple roles. With a deep understanding of the inner workings of the federal government, Farrier illuminates a developing trend in the practice of democracy.

More books from The University Press of Kentucky

Cover of the book American Justice in Taiwan by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book Generals of the Army by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book After the Dream by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book When Winter Come by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book From the Farm to the Table by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book Maverick Marine by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book Inside Israel's Northern Command by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book Women Who Made a Difference by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book Thomas Ince by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book Art for Equality by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book A Concise History of Kentucky by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book Kentucky's Natural Heritage by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book A Political Companion to John Steinbeck by Jasmine Farrier
Cover of the book Sporty Creek by Jasmine Farrier
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy