Revolving Gridlock: Politics and Policy from Jimmy Carter to George W. Bush

by David W. Brady

Despite the early prospects for bipartisan unity on terrorism initiatives, government gridlock continues on most major issues in the wake of the 2004 elections. In this fully revised edition, political scientists David W. Brady and Craig Volden demonstrate that gridlock is not a product of divided government, party politics, or any of the usual scapegoats. It is, instead, an instrumental part of American government, built into our institutions and sustained by leaders acting rationally not only to achieve set goals but to thwart foolish inadvertencies. Looking at key legislative issues from the divided government under Reagan, through Clinton's Democratic government to complete unified Republican control under George W. Bush, the authors clearly and carefully analyze important crux points in the swing votes, the veto, the filibuster, and the rise of tough budget politics. They show that when it comes to government gridlock, it doesn't matter who's in the White House or who's in control of Congress; it's as American as apple pie, and its results may ultimately be as sweet in ensuring stability and democracy.

260 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2005

Reviews

[Tian Liang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully organised book detailing how democrat houses can have political stalemates with a democrat president. Perhaps a highlight of this book is its impeccable organisation of information. I really loved the evaluation it has on each President's performance (from Carter to Reagan then all the way to Clinton and Bush Jr) and a brief introduction and analysis it has on each President's policies. I have to hand it to the authors for this engaging work which explained the social dynamics of the President and his house with such thorough clarity. And I can't believe it had been on sale at my hostel for only $1. XD