Conservative Reformers The Freshman Republicans In The 104th Congress

Nicol Rae's engaging account of the Republican revolutionaries' freshman year in Congress persuasively demonstrates that the precepts set forth by Madison in Federalist 10 and 51 are still in force in our remarkably stable political system. The 73 Republican freshmen who entered the House of Representatives after the 1994 election were a well-organized group with majority status and a commitment to change. This book examines the extent to which they were successful in redirecting policy and reforming the institutions of representative government -- and the extent to which those same institutions moderated, and even frustrated, efforts to introduce radical, rapid -- indeed revolutionary -- change. Contrasts are drawn both with the role of the Republican freshmen in the Senate and with the power of the President as manifested in the 1995-96 budget battle. The book is based on interviews conducted by the author when he was an APSA Congressional Fellow in the offices of Rep. George P. Radanovich, president of the freshman Republican class, and Sen. Thad Cochran, chairman of the Senate Republican Conference.

Barnett shows how political environments can produce legislators who place a premium on their policy-making goals through a nuanced exploration of factors undergirding member perceptions, policy ambitions, class cohesion, and legislative learning.

This book describes, explains, and reflects upon the 1996 presidential and congressional elections, devoting equal coverage to three phases of the political process: the major party nominations, the general election, and the subsequent government organization. In doing so, this study links elections and governance.

Unlike leadership in the House of Representatives, the nature of Senate leadership continues to remain a mystery to so many. Due to the absence of an "operator’s manual," leaders have had to use their individual skills, intelligence, and personalities to lead the Senate, which means they each have had their own unique leadership style. How have Senate majority leaders advanced their agendas in this traditionally egalitarian institution, a chamber like no other legislative body, where they must balance the rights of 99 independent senators with the collective needs of their party? Featuring a foreword by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Leadership in the U.S. Senate offers students a comprehensive and contemporary examination of three different eras in the evolution of the Senate. Collectively, contributions written by those who have served the senators offer insight into how different Senate leaders have operated, chronicle changes in Senate life over the past four decades, and describe how they have changed the institution. The chapters cover: How leadership styles are shaped by both individualism and party goals Eight biographical perspectives from Senator Howard Baker (R-TN) to Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) The political context of the Senate during which the respective majority leader served Individual leadership style and performance in office Contributions individuals made to the institution while serving as majority leaders This book paves the way for political scientists and others to examine the topic of Senate leadership.

The Senate is becoming more like the House of Representatives in its increasing levels of partisanship and ideology. A transformation of the institution appears to be underfoot, posing questions about the Senate's role as the chamber in which cool judgement prevails. This book discusses and analyzes the changes in Senate life including rules and procedures, leadership and party organization, executive and Senate relations, debate and deliberation, and media spotlight. Then there is a re-examination of Senate efficacy, legitamacy and appropriateness as an aristocratic chamber in an increasingly democratic system of government.

Analysis of the impeachment and portrayal of the partisan and ideologically polarized state of American politics at the turn of the century. Argues that the battle was not over Clinton but over control of the policy agenda. [back cover].

This first historical study of U.S. budget policy covering the last three decades places the budget at the center of modern American politics and adds an important dimension to the understanding of recent events.