How Congress Works and Why You Should Care

by Lee H. Hamilton

Book Overview

How Congress Works and Why You Should Care is a concise introduction to the functions and vital role of the U.S. Congress by eminent former Congressman Lee H. Hamilton. Drawing on 34 years as a U.S. Representative, Hamilton explains how Congress reflects the diversity of the American people, serves as a forum for finding consensus, and provides balance within the federal government. Addressing widespread public misperceptions, he outlines...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0253216958
• ISBN13: 9780253216953
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Length: 156 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.2" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

really changed my view of Congress for the positive

The other two reviews are much more well-written than I can type, but still wanted to add a positive review since I think it is a terrific book. I was very cynical of Congress before reading this book. Hamilton really gives an excellent overview of the responsibilities of the members and how they come to make decisions about legislation and pass it through. Though he describes how it is not perfect, it is still works a whole lot better than I gave it credit for. I am really much more optimistic that there are people in there that care and that my voice can make a difference. I really never took time before to consider all of the reforms that are in place to keep members of Congress honest and how it is really in their best interest to be honest. The book was so easy to read and at a length that I could actually finish, but still caused me to reconsider many things. The book was very much written for the average person.

Very Enlightening and Inspirational Take on an oft Misunderstood Institution

This is a very good overview of how the legislative branch of the federal government works. After 34 years in the House of Representatives, the author is a certified expert on his subject and he treats it objectively in a nonpartisan manner. The book opens with a spirited and convincing defense of the institution, continues with a critical look at what improvements can be made, and concludes with an impassioned plea for increased civic participation. From the first page of the book, Hamilton tackles the public's "far less grand view of Congress" and the lack of trust they have in the institution. He systematically addresses each of the public's main concerns, and although it is a bit repetitive and his defense of certain topics (most specifically "pork" spending) is not convincing, he is overall successful in his arguments. Hamilton hammers home the importance of Congress's role in balancing the power of the three branches of the federal government and lists many of its major accomplishments (ie the federal highway system and civil rights legislation). A representative democracy requires debate and compromise, which can appear to be slow and messy to an outsider, but is necessary to build consenus and ensure that no one branch of government becomes to powerful. The author does not blindly support institution of Congress and points out several key areas of reform. He calls upon members of Congress to be more civil (something that declined significantly during his tenure), more willing to tackle the tough issues, and have a more strategic, longer term mindset with an eye towards the impact on the greater public good. Hamilton acknowledges that money has too much influence on campaigning and further ethical reforms are still needed. It is also important to maintain "good process," ensuring that members don't bypass critical steps in the legislative process. A strengthened relationship with the White House would also allow the executive branch to consult with more subject matter experts and make better policy decisions. The final chapter outlines how the public can participate in governmental affairs and why it is important to do so. Hamilton calls upon us all to become more involved by becoming more educated on the process and issues (which will also make us less cynical), vote in all elections, contact and get to know their representatives (they listen to us more than we think), and become more active in community and interest groups. The book includes many examples of individuals who have made a significant difference to the country and will hopefully inspire other future successes as well.

Substantive View from inside Congress

This book is especially valuable because the author's insights on Congress come from his long legislative career. It is a substantive view of the legislative branch from the inside. Hamilton provides a good sense of the usually messy process involved in a bill becoming law, explaining how powerful members can often circumvent the normal process, and sometimes even avoid bringing a bill into committee. After reading this book, I came away with a better operational sense of politics---the compromise, listening, and coalition building that are essential in our democracy. I also learned more about how power affects the system---in the House, for example, the party in the majority can set the rules for debate, and thus controls a lot of the legislative process. Power shifts as well---over the years, speakers have become less powerful, committee heads more so. Some members can command more national attention than others, which adds weight to whatever issue or initiative they are pushing. But more significant than the how is the why. Hamilton makes a great case for the average citizen getting civically involved, and he explains the positive impact government can have in our lives. He doesn't mince words in acknowledging government's faults. But he also explains that some common criticisms people have of government---that politicians compromise too much, and that the process is too slow---are actually misplaced because these types of things are part of the democratic process itself. Autocracies tend to work quickly. Democracies are more complicated, often more messy, but ultimately more represenative.