European University Institute Library

Congress and the politics of problem solving, E. Scott Adler, John D. Wilkerson

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 217-238) and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Congress and the politics of problem solving

bibliography

778828095

E. Scott Adler, John D. Wilkerson

"Congress and the Politics of Problem Solving shows how a simple premise -- voters are willing to hold lawmakers accountable for their collective problem-solving abilities -- can produce novel insights into legislative organization, behavior, and output. How do issues end up on the agenda? Why do lawmakers routinely invest in program oversight and broad policy development? What considerations drive legislative policy change? Knowing that their prospects for reelection are partly dependent on their collective problem-solving abilities, lawmakers support structures that enhance the legislature's capacity to address problems in society and encourage members to contribute to nonparticularistic policy-making activities. The resulting insights are novel and substantial: Congress' collective performance affects the reelection prospects of incumbents of both parties; the legislative issue agenda can often be predicted years in advance; nearly all important successful legislation originates in committee; most laws pass with bipartisan support; and electorally induced shifts in preferences or partisan control are not robust predictors of policy change. The electoral imperative to address problems in society provides a compelling explanation for these important and provocative findings"--, Provided by publisher

1. Congress and the politics of problem solving -- 2. Problem-focused voters and congressional accountability -- 3. Congressional approval and incumbent accountability -- 4. Problem-solving constraints and legislative institutions -- 5. Agenda scarcity, problem solving, and temporary legislation -- 6. Rethinking committee reform -- 7. Agenda setting in a problem-solving legislature -- 8. Problem solving and policy focal points -- 9. Problem solving and the dynamics of policy change -- 10. Problem solving and American politics