Legislative Branch

Contains eighteen essays in which political scientists and scholars of public policy examine the performance of the U.S. Congress as a democratic institution, covering ideals and development, elections and representation, structures and processes, policy and performance, and assessments and prospects.

American democracy is built on its institutions. The Congress, the presidency, and the judiciary, in particular, undergird the rights and responsibilities of every citizen. The free press, for example, protected by the First Amendment, allows for the dissent so necessary in a democracy. How has this institution changed since the nation's founding? And what can we, as leaders, policymakers, and citizens, do to keep it vital? The freedom of the press is an essential element of American democracy. With the guidance of editors Geneva Overholser and Kathleen Hall Jamieson, this volume examines the role of the press in a democracy, investigating alternative models used throughout world history to better understand how the American press has evolved into what it is today. The commission also examines ways to allow more voices to be heard and to improve the institution of the American free press. The Press, a collection of essays by the nation's leading journalism scholars and professionals, will examine the history, identity, roles, and future of the American press, with an emphasis on topics of concern to both practitioners and consumers of American media.

Discusses the executive branch of government in the United States, including its purpose and relation to the other branches of government, and presents profiles of the Presidents of the United States.

The Legislative Branch, created by Article I of the Constitution, is comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together form the United States Congress. This book not only studies the powers of the legislative branch and the organization of both houses of Congress, but also examines the legislative process and how a bill ultimately can become a law. This book gives readers a detailed look at how their government really works to both create and pass lasting legislation.

Explains the structure of the Senate and House of Representatives, and discusses how they carry out their responsibilities of creating laws that affect the lives of Americans.

In this book, readers will learn about the legislative branch of the United States government. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn more about how Congress creates laws and what other duties they are tasked with to ensure that the federal government and society runs smoothly.

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?