How Congress Works and Why You Should Care

by Lee H. Hamilton

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 areas where Congress can work better and ways for citizens to become more engaged in public affairs through their representatives in Washington. How Congress Works and Why You Should Care is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the inner workings of Congress, and how all citizens can participate in its unique mission.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, School, Government

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Lee Herbert Hamilton (born April 20, 1931) is a former member of the United States House of Representatives and currently a member of the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory Council. A member of the Democratic Party, Hamilton represented the 9th congressional district of Indiana from 1965 to 1999. Following his departure from Congress he has served on a number of governmental advisory boards, most notably as the vice chairman of the 9/11 Commission.

Reviews

[Sharon]

This is a decent overview of Congress by a former member who served in the House for decades. I think the main selling point is probably its unique perspective. The book includes historical context as well as explanations of how to participate in democracy in the present day. It was a bummer to read optimistic predictions though, specifically in the aftermath of the 2016 election.

I might recommend this if you want a general overview and you don't mind a chatty, sometimes meandering tone. I would not recommend it if you're in a hurry to start engaging with activism and you're looking for a crash course in Congress.

[Amanda]

Summer reading for my son. Thought it would be interesting (especially given current political environment). Was wrong. Very repetitive and apologetic. Written by former Congressman. Some good info on how Congress works but pretty dated given Trump era and current divisiveness in politics.

[asdf]

It was boring and didn't talk about how congress works.(Despite the cover's claim.)

[Sarah]

Easy quick read. Mostly bc it just emphasizes stuff we already know. Didn't really discuss exactly how congress works specifically. Oh well

[Kelly]

An easy and short read that doesn’t explain how Congress works. Really disappointing. It’s basically a defense of Congress. It explains nothing about the jobs, committees, schedule, or responsibilities of congresspeople. Hamilton thinks most Americans are cynical about Congress and should participate more in our democracy and be grateful for and notice the things Congress has accomplished (the bridge you just drove over, the air that used to be much dirtier that is now - or was in 2006 - breathable). He believes Congress keeps the president in check, which is clearly quite out of date. It makes you nostalgic for the time before social media.

On to other books that might actually explain the workings of Congress…

[Claire Cabral]

A bit too preachy for my liking, but I appreciated the suggestions for increased civic engagement. Also dated, as was published pre-Trump so a lot of the optimism in regards to partisan fighting is mute unfortunately.

[Anya Shyvilka]

informative but very repetitive. this book could be condensed to like half its size

[Candelaria Beatty]

this is just not really a book.

[Bob]

Overall this was a very good book. It was very informative about all of the things that go on inside of Congress. It explains how the founding fathers intended our system of checks and balances, and about how modern day representatives work to get bills passed. The author expresses his view that most Americans do not understand the complexities of Congress, and the freedoms that are provided to us because of it and the form of American government. The author also presents the good and bad aspects of Congress and how we as Americans can help fix its problems.

I read this book for a school project about becoming a public servant. I found it very useful as it talked about what goes on inside of Congress and how the elected representatives come from all different places and backgrounds. It provided in depth information about lives of Congressmen and their social and political lives. However, my project focuses on all elected officials and this book focuses only on Congress. Still, this book was very interesting, and it gave information about Congress from a perspective that I had not seen or read before.