Congress and Its Members

by Davidson R, Walter J. Oleszek

This best-selling text offers much-needed perspective and context to help students follow fast-changing events taking place on Capitol Hill. Davidson and Oleszek reveal the inherent tension between Congress as a lawmaking institution and Congress as a collection of re-election-minded politicians.

Congress and Its Members has always won over students by combining a wealth of material about Congress and the latest scholarship with a lively, engaging, approach that never talks down to readers. Davidson and Oleszek thoughtfully employ colorful examples, quotations, photos, and graphics to enliven and underscore the general points being made in the text.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, School, Political Science, History, Reference, Textbooks

498 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Pelita Murumba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really insightful on how the interworkings of Congress are intertwined and slow moving. Also explains why our political system is as divided as it is today through the lense of political party influence.

[Connor Oswald]

Finished this like in April but forgot to write it here.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

PLS 305: Congress and the Presidency


This was published in 2017 & already has stuff that is out of date because the Trump admin staff turnover is WILD.

Most detailed textbook I've ever had.

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have ordered this book in its many editions for classes that I have taught on Congress and Legislative Politics. It is one of the best general texts available--and readily accessible to those who are simply interested in the politics of Congress.

One of the key points made by the authors is that there are "two Congresses": One of these is the Congress of "how a bill becomes a law," of the actions and politics characteristic of Capitol Hill. The other is the operation of representatives in their home districts, acting on behalf of their constituents, "the folks back home." The two worlds that members of Congress live in (Washington D. C. and "back home") can produce tensions and dilemmas for members of the legislature. But these conflicts help us to understand the complex nature of Congressional politics and decision-making.

Lawmakers cannot just live in the one Congress or the other. They must navigate and negotiate between the two.

This text covers the full territory, from the history of Congress, to how one ends up getting elected to Congress, to how Congress works and its interactions with other key political actors, to the policy process of which Congress is a key.

For anyone--students or citizens--interested in the nature of Congress, this represents a good starting point.

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have ordered this book in its many editions for classes that I have taught on Congress and Legislative Politics. It is one of the best general texts available--and readily accessible to those who are simply interested in the politics of Congress.

One of the key points made by the authors is that there are "two Congresses": One of these is the Congress of "how a bill becomes a law," of the actions and politics characteristic of Capitol Hill. The other is the operation of representatives in their home districts, acting on behalf of their constituents, "the folks back home." The two worlds that members of Congress live in (Washington D. C. and "back home") can produce tensions and dilemmas for members of the legislature. But these conflicts help us to understand the complex nature of Congressional politics and decision-making.

Lawmakers cannot just live in the one Congress or the other. They must navigate and negotiate between the two.

This text covers the full territory, from the history of Congress, to how one ends up getting elected to Congress, to how Congress works and its interactions with other key political actors, to the policy process of which Congress is a key.

For anyone--students or citizens--interested in the nature of Congress, this represents a good starting point.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very in-depth look at Congress

[Manuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Standard rules and procedures, structure, and day-to-day description of how Congress works. In-depth but dry.

[LA Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

2024 Book #10
Congress and Its Members
by Roger H Davidson
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 (2017)

Dejavu! I swear I read an earlier edition of this book in 1993 for an 'Intro to Politics' class. Regardless, it was a good read about a subject I've been teaching for years. A few details, caught my attention, like only 10% of the population votes split ticket. I've been teaching the corresponding fact that 90% of voters are party centered voters, which contributes to polarization. Lots of good, basic information here about election process, styles of representation, differences between the two chambers, the dance of legislation, the incumbency advantage, campaign finance reform, and the sharing of power with the executive branch. I absolutely see congruence between this book and the college board's AP government and politics curriculum.

[Katie Holem · Rating 3 out of 5]

The other book I had to read for my Congress and Legislative power class. Like more college textbooks, some chapters with certain topics were more interesting to learn about than other chapters and topics. I did learn a lot about Congress and it's process.

[Hakija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for students of political science. Describes Congress from its beginnings to present. Also, organizational structures of Congress; parties, committees, etc.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for a grad school lobbying course. Actually a good, conversational read if you want to learn about Congress.