The Decline of Congress
The framers designated Article I of the Constitution to Congress, operating under the belief that the legislature would be the dominant branch of the federal government. It’s been a long time since this has been so. But in the last century, and in particular the last 30 or so years, the power of Congress has noticeably declined, as the country has become more polarized.
This seminar will addresses the causes–and, more important, effects–of that decline. As always, will also discuss contemporary matters, plus Q&A. Extended it to eight sessions, with an added Q&A for the ninth.
Seminar times will be our usual Wednesdays at 10.30am. Videos will go out by the afternoon for people who can’t make the live session.
Schedule
October 7: Origins
October 14: The FDR Congress
October 21: The LBJ Congress
October 28: Warmaking
November 4: Campaigns & Elections
November 11: Beginnings of Parliamentary Approach
November 18: Institutional Changes
[no Thanksgiving session]
December 2: Extremes of Polarization
December 9: Popup Q&A
