Congress in Chaos? Understanding Legislative Function and Dysfunction

*Taught Online*  This course will introduce students to the workings of the contemporary Congress. We will examine who runs for — and who wins — seats in Congress, the lawmaking processes in the House and Senate, and the roles of parties and leaders in the two chambers. We will take stock of changes in the operation of the House and Senate, focusing in particular on the problems associated with extended debate in the Senate and leadership selection in the House. We will then consider Congress’s role as a policymaker. How does Congress make public policy? What factors inhibit legislative productivity? Who has input into the process? Finally, we will assess Congress’s performance during periods of economic, cultural, and political turmoil. Is policymaking too partisan or too hard to do well? Is the public’s disapproval of the first branch warranted?