How Congress Works and Why You Should Care

Chapter One:The Role of Congress Why Congress exists Core principle: Sovereignty of the People Core principle: Balancing powers in government Congress and the President Why federalism works Key power: Passing the basic laws of the land Key power: The power of the purse Key power: Congress and foreign policy Congress and individual liberties The roots of our success Chapter Two:The Impact of Congress Congress and the fabric of our lives Government's greatest endeavors An ordinary day Congress does more work than meets the eye A balanced view of Congress Members of Congress who had an impact Chapter Three: How Congress Works A complex institution An evolving institution The many roles of a member of Congress Representing constituents How a bill really becomes law Why we need more politicians Power in Congress The House and the Senate The awesome responsibility of voting The frustrations and rewards of Congress Chapter Four: Public Criticisms of Congress "Members are a bunch of crooks." "There's too much wasteful, pork-barrel spending by Congress." "Legislators just bicker and never get anything done." "You can't trust what members of Congress say." "Congress almost seems designed to promote total gridlock." "Members of Congress compromise too much." "There's too much money in politics today." "Members are out of touch with their constituents." "Congress is run by lobbyists and special interests" Conclusion Chapter Five: Key Ways Congress Could Work Better Declining civility The importance of good process Better White House/Congress consultation True congressional oversight Improving ethics enforcement Thinking about the future The money chase Improving public understanding of Congress Tackling the tough issues Congress and the common good Conclusion Chapter Six: Civic Participation A failure to communicate Being more involved in the work of Congress The cornerstones of active citizenship Making your views known to Congress Individuals who have made a difference Can the people govern? Strengthening representative democracy Appendix: Communicating with Congress Notes Index