Fixing Congress

Restoring Power to the People

Michael S. Johnson, Jerome F. Climer

• Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
• Year: 2024
• Print ISBN: 9781636983981
• eBook ISBN: 9781636983998
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: American Government
• Index: Politics & International Relations

A preponderance of evidence indicates the public is very unhappy with the US Congress. Fixing Congress is a behind-the-scenes look at how Congress really functions and why it doesn't.

This powerful resource educates and empowers engaged citizens who want to participate more fully in the process of self-government and regain more control over it.

Beginning with a closer look at members of Congress and their staff, as well as the structure, procedures, and culture, this groundwork gives citizens a greater understanding of Congress and the tools they need to make it better. It recounts the history of the institution, the intent of the Founding Fathers and the historical currents that have driven the country to its state of gridlocked government and suffocating polarization.

With the context set, Fixing Congress delves into special interest clout, questionable campaign financing, campaign abuses, partisan congressional district maps, ideological and partisan extremism, the role of parties, the overwhelming influence of the media, and the multitude of forces that make the average voter feel like a tiny cog in the gigantic wheel of governance.

This prolific resource provides numerous solutions that citizens can advocate in their communities and with their members of Congress. The final chapters propose reforms, strategies, and tactics to restore Congress to its intended purpose as a representative body. These proposals include redefining the distinctions between the Senate and House, reducing the size of congressional districts, limiting outside campaign financing, and urging the media to report objectively and with balance.

Is it possible to make Congress more productive, more accessible, and more answerable to the people?Yes. Fixing Congress is an essential part of the solution.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 | How Did We Get Here? Laying the Foundation of a Democratic Republic
• Chapter 2 | Organization and Decision-Making
• Chapter 3 | The Levers of Power—Who Is Really In Charge?
• Chapter 4 | Congressional Staff: The Influence of the Unelected
• Chapter 5 | How a Policy Idea Becomes Law
• Chapter 6 | Why a Policy Idea Doesn’t Become Law
• Chapter 7 | How Campaigns, Old Rules, and Outsiders Impede Governing
• Chapter 8 | The Mighty Media: A Political Power Like None Other
• Chapter 9 | Journalists as Advocates and Adversaries
• Chapter 10 | Lobbying and Special Interests
• Chapter 11 | Misunderstanding Public Opinion
• Chapter 12 | Ethics—Playing by the Rules, or Not
• Chapter 13 | Words Hurt Just Like Sticks and Stones
• Chapter 14 | Reforms to Make Congress Work for You
• Chapter 15 | Call to Action
• Acknowledgments
• References and Resources
• About the Co-Authors
• Image Credits
• Endnotes