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Senate Procedure and Practice
The United States is often referred to as the world's greatest deliberative body. And that is for good reason. The Senate Chamber―from its inception to its Golden Age to the present day―has been the setting for some of the most moving, decisive, and consequential debates in American history. But how does the Senate work? Senate Procedure and Practice not only answers this question but also explains and illustrates why the Senate has worked so well for more than 200 years.
This practical, real-world explanation focuses on the three pillars of legislative procedure: the Senate rules, the parliamentary interpretations of the Senate rules, and statutes that impose procedural rules. The book is filled with fascinating stories and insights that highlight why a given rule is in place and how it is practiced. Now in its second edition, the book has been updated to discuss the impact the Democratic takeover has had on basic Senate procedures and practices, including much-discussed Rule XXVIII.
This practical, real-world explanation focuses on the three pillars of legislative procedure: the Senate rules, the parliamentary interpretations of the Senate rules, and statutes that impose procedural rules. The book is filled with fascinating stories and insights that highlight why a given rule is in place and how it is practiced. Now in its second edition, the book has been updated to discuss the impact the Democratic takeover has had on basic Senate procedures and practices, including much-discussed Rule XXVIII.
- GenresPolitics
292 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 2, 2025
This is a rather esoteric read for anyone who's not in politics... and I suspect has been read by few US Senators. That's disappointing to me Because the esoteric 44 (or how ever many now) Standard Rules of the Senate were all created by very Political People, all of whom wanted to cement their power and future power for their party. I found it very interesting to learn that much of what happens in the US Senate happens based on Timing. Also, it's interesting that All (except Nixon) viewed the precedence of past ruled Rules to be almost inviolate. We're living in amazing times as MAGA continues to shake the foundations of our Establishment Deep State. For anyone interested in how the Senate makes sausages, this is your book.
August 10, 2025
Book made good on what it promised. Great examples that flesh out abstract and somewhat arcane ideas and systems.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews