POL S 353 A: United States Congress

The U.S. Congress is, in many respects, a microcosm of the U.S. It reflects a diverse nation composed of people with differing beliefs, priorities, and interests. At the same time, Congress is descriptively unrepresentative - the legislators that voters elect to represent them are disproportionately male, white, and highly educated. The apportionment of the Senate further distorts popular representation by giving states with smaller populations disproportionate influence.

This is the context in which lawmakers try to address pressing such as immigration, economic opportunity, discrimination, prescription drug prices, crime etc. Surveys consistently indicate that Americans are disappointed with the results. Is their disappointment warranted? Or does the public fail to appreciate the challenges that Congress faces and what it actually accomplishes?

The goal of this class is to move beyond popular perceptions to develop a deeper understanding of Congress as a representative institution and its place in our federal system. To do this we must investigate how representatives are chosen, how laws are made, and how the two are connected. As we develop better understandings of both, we will be better positioned to evaluate Congress's strengths and weaknesses.

In addition to reading and discussing relevant scholarship, we will role play in an extended legislative simulation. Students should only take this course if they are prepared to be active participants (no experience required!).

The instructor recognizes that few students will actually run for Congress. So what else does this class have to offer? Congress is the centerpiece of our national system of representation. When we study how it works - in principle and in practice - we gain insights into decision-making bodies more generally, including the role and limits of procedures, the importance of agenda setting; the challenges of problem solving, the knowledge and interpersonal skills essential to effective advocacy, etc. As a result, we anticipate that the topics and activities of this class will have broader benefits for students of all interests.

Learning Goals

Demonstrate appreciation of:

• the constitutional foundations of Congress
• representation in all of its forms
• the dynamics of congressional elections
• the legislative process
• congressional reforms

Improve your:

• problem solving
• written and verbal communication
• collaboration
• strategic thinking

Grading  (updated 12/6/2022)

20% Participation (in class discussions, activities and simulation contributions)

45% Essay assignments (4 out of 5 (2 single-spaced pages) plus one casework assignment)

35% Simulation-related writing and creative assignments (4 required assignments)

Required Books

The United States Congress, Adler, Jenkins and Shipan

The Capitol Hill Playbook, Balthazar   (out of print Amazon and Able books appear to have many copies)

Highly recommended

New York Times free digital subscription

(after logging into your account, there are many 'newsletter' subscription options including "On Politics")

Roll Call  ('Latest Headlines' provides updates on Capitol Hill happenings)