Changing Cultures In Congress

Author : Donald R. Wolfensberger
Publisher : Columbia University Press
Page : 237 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2018-11-06
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780231548748

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Changing Cultures in Congress by Donald R. Wolfensberger Pdf

The United States Congress has been described as dysfunctional, gridlocked, polarized, hyperpartisan, chaotic, and do-nothing. In Changing Cultures in Congress, congressional scholar Donald R. Wolfensberger explains the institutional dynamics behind Congress’s devolution from a respected legislative institution to a body plagued by a win-at-any-cost mentality and a culture of perpetual campaigning. In both a historical and present-day account of congressional dysfunction, Wolfensberger explores the causes of legislative standstill and the methods used by majorities and minorities that have led to today’s policy paralysis. He describes how Congress has gradually abandoned its commitment to fair and neutral procedures that safeguard both majority rule and minority rights in favor of “power House rules”—procedures and processes that advantage the majority party’s electoral goals as opposed to neutral rules that preserve minority party and individual member rights to full participation in the legislative process. Through historical sketches and case studies from the past decade under both Republican and Democratic majorities, he shows how both parties have gamed what the founders intended would be an impartial set of legislative rules into a system that advantages majorities and marginalizes minorities. Digging deeper than superficial partisan explanations, Wolfensberger gives a thorough and persuasive explanation for our legislative leaders’ inability to find substantive policy solutions that are in the national interest.

Author : Giles Scott-Smith
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 312 pages
File Size : 43,8 Mb
Release : 2003-08-27
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781134541690

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The Politics of Apolitical Culture by Giles Scott-Smith Pdf

This book analyses a key episode in the cultural Cold War - the formation of the Congress for Cultural Freedom. Whilst the Congress was established to defend cultural values and freedom of expression in the Cold War Struggle, its close association with the CIA later undermined its claims to intellectual independence or non-political autonomy. By examining the formation of the Congress and its early years of existence in relation to broader issues of US-European relations, Giles Scott-Smith reveals a more complex interpretation of the story. The Politics of Apolitical Culture provides an in-depth picture of the various links between the political, economic and cultural realms which led to the Congress.

Author : United States. Congress
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 1084 pages
File Size : 55,8 Mb
Release : 1919
Category : Law
ISBN : UCR:31210026473015

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Congressional Record by United States. Congress Pdf

Author : Frederic Martel
Publisher : MIT Press
Page : 296 pages
File Size : 54,6 Mb
Release : 2018-04-27
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9780262346115

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Global Gay by Frederic Martel Pdf

A panoramic view of gay rights, gay life, and the gay experience around the world. In Global Gay, Frédéric Martel visits more than fifty countries and documents a revolution underway around the world: the globalization of LGBT rights. From Saudi Arabia to South Africa, from Amsterdam to Tel Aviv, from Singapore to the United States, activists, culture warriors, and ordinary people are part of a movement. Martel interviews the proprietor of a “gay-friendly” café in Amman, Jordan; a Cuban-American television journalist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a South African jurist who worked with Nelson Mandela to enshrine gay rights in the country's constitution; an American lawyer who worked on the campaign for marriage equality; an Egyptian man who fled his country after escaping a raid on a gay club; and many others. He tells us that in China, homosexuality is neither prohibited nor permitted, and that much Chinese gay life takes place on social media; that in Iran, because of the strict separation of the sexes, it seems almost easier to be gay than heterosexual; and that Raul Castro's daughter, a gay rights icon in Cuba, expressed her lingering anti-American sentiments by calling for Pride celebrations in May rather than June. Ten countries maintain the death penalty for homosexuals. “Homophobia is what Arab governments give to Islamists to keep them calm,” one activist tells Martel. Martel finds that although the “gay American way of life” has created a global template for gay activism and culture, each country offers distinctly local variations. And around the world, the status of gay rights has become a measure of a country's democracy and modernity. This English edition, which has been thoroughly revised and updated, has received the French Voices Award for excellence in publication and translation, supported by a grant from the French-American Book Fund.

Author : Allen D. Hertzke,Ronald M. Peters
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 340 pages
File Size : 46,9 Mb
Release : 2016-09-16
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781315487915

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The Atomistic Congress by Allen D. Hertzke,Ronald M. Peters Pdf

First Published in 1993. This volume is based upon an April 1990 Carl Albert Center conference commemorating the bicentennial of the United States Congress and the centennial of the University of Oklahoma. The conference was entitled, Back to the Future: the United States Congress in the Twenty-first Century. Its focus was on the nature of change in Congress and on the likely direction of congressional change as the new century approaches.

Author : Brian Alexander
Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield
Page : 201 pages
File Size : 47,9 Mb
Release : 2021-04-09
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781793601285

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A Social Theory of Congress by Brian Alexander Pdf

What is the role that norms play in the U.S. Congress? At a time of unprecedented partisanship and high-profile breaches of legislative norms in the modern Congress, the relationship between norms and the functioning of the institution is a growing and pressing concern. Despite the importance of the topic, recent scholarship has not focused on congressional norms. Meanwhile, previous research leaves open many relevant questions about the role of norms in the Congress of the twenty-first century. A Social Theory of Congress brings norms back in to the study of Congress by defining what are legislative norms, identifying which norms currently exist in the U.S. Congress, and examining the effects that congressional norms have. This book provides a new research approach to study congressional norms through a comprehensive review of previous scholarship and a combination of interviews, survey research, and analysis of member behavior. What’s more, an innovative theoretical framework — a social theory of Congress — provides new perspectives in the study of legislatures and political behavior. The findings are striking. Norms of cooperation are surprisingly alive and well in an otherwise partisan Congress. But norms of conflict are on the rise. In addition, norms of a changing culture are affecting how members understand their role as lawmakers and in their interactions among one another. Together, these findings suggest that norms play an important role in the functioning of the legislature and as norms evolve so too does the performance of Congress in American democracy.

Author : Mats Alvesson,Stefan Sveningsson
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 218 pages
File Size : 46,6 Mb
Release : 2015-09-21
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9781317421030

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Changing Organizational Culture by Mats Alvesson,Stefan Sveningsson Pdf

How is practical change work carried out in modern organizations? And what kind of challenges, tasks and other difficulties are normally encountered as a part of it? In a turbulent and changing world, organizational culture is often seen as central for sustained competitiveness. Organizations are faced with increased demands for change but these are often so challenging that they meet heavy resistance and fizzle out. Changing Organizational Culture encourages the development of a reflexive approach to organizational change, providing insights as to why it may be difficult to maintain momentum in change processes. Based around an illuminating case study of a cultural change programme, the book provides 15 lessons on the entire change journey; from analysis and design, to implementation and how organizational members should approach change projects. This enhanced edition considers the most recent studies on organizational change practice, with new examples from businesses and the public sector, and includes one empirical study which uses the authors’ own framework, enriching their practical recommendations. It also draws on the latest theoretical developments, including ideas of power and storytelling. Accompanying the text is an online pedagogic and research ideas guide available for course instructors and lecturers at Routledge.com. Changing Organizational Culture will be vital reading for students, researchers and practitioners working in organizational studies, change management and HRM.

Author : Donald A. Ritchie
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 177 pages
File Size : 54,7 Mb
Release : 2022
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780197620786

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The U. S. Congress: a Very Short Introduction by Donald A. Ritchie Pdf

"Compromise is essential for accomplishing anything significant in the legislative arena, and yet recent political polarization has made compromise much harder to achieve. The U.S. Congress was created by a compromise at the Constitutional Convention, which established a House of Representatives apportioned by population, and a Senate in which all states would be equal. The House set rules to allow its majority to prevail, while Senate rules gave more muscle to the minority. Although Congress is divided between two such widely different bodies, no legislation can be enacted, or funds appropriated, without full agreement from both. The membership of Congress has grown increasingly diverse, with more women and minorities being elected. But it has also become more divided, with members of the party conferences voting together more than ninety percent of the time. After winning a seat, members must make choices between national needs and constituent approval. Compromises necessary to passing legislation may prove unpopular and cause primary challenges. Members devote much attention to constituent services and adopt the latest technology to communicate with voters. The news media also plays a key role in making or breaking congressional careers. The Congress examines the legislative process, from committee assignments to floor procedures, and conference that reconcile disagreements. The contrasting rules of the two bodies require different strategies and tactics. Members of the larger House band together by party, state delegation, or caucuses, to increase their impact. Being able to filibuster, senators exert more individual influence. Legislation is shaped largely in committees but also by the floor leaders. Some committees wield more power than others, particularly the Appropriations Committees, which control government spending In the constitutional system of checks and balances, the three branches share power. Legislation passed by Congress may be vetoed by the president or overturned by the Supreme Court. Presidents appeal to Congress to enact and fund their proposals. The Senate votes to confirm or reject the president's nominations-including members of the judiciary. Polarized politics have prompted the Senate majority to employ a "nuclear option" to prevent filibusters on nominations. While the presidency has grown more powerful, Congress retains the ability to investigate executive branch behavior and to impeach and remove presidents, judges, and other federal office holders. Over time, Congress has expanded in size, filling a vast Capitol complex to accommodate, members and their staffs, along with a myriad of constituents, lobbyists, reporters, and other visitors. As a symbol of American democracy, the Capitol has also become a target. Burned by British troops during the War of 1812, threatened on September 11, 2001, and invaded on January 6, 2021, the Capitol has steadily increased security while also seeking to remain on open public view. This new edition explains how Congress has evolved and adjusted to changes in American politics and society"--

Author : Karen Kunz,Stavros Atsas
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Page : 377 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2022-06-17
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781440858017

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The Cost of Congress by Karen Kunz,Stavros Atsas Pdf

Congressional ratings have fallen to single digits; citizens believe that Congress fails to do the things its members are publicly paid to do. What does Congress do for our dollars, and how has that changed in the last 50 years? What was the cost to taxpayers for Bill Clinton's impeachment hearings? What about the Benghazi investigation and efforts to obtain the votes required to repeal Obamacare while failing to consider Zika virus funding bills? What is the true cost of earmarks? Why do Congress members continue to get paid during government shutdowns? Congress's increasing use of continuing resolutions and agencies' almost semi-annual preparations for government shutdowns come at a significant cost. Combining extensive documentary research with interviews of current and former members and staffers, The Cost of Congress assesses not only how Congress spends tax dollars on its operations but also what Americans receive for those dollars. Kunz and Atsas assign dollar values, using federal data, to congressional practices and policies. They examine the costs of producing legislation, court challenges, and Supreme Court reversals. They also look at the costs of committee and special investigations, committee assignments, staffing and facilities, and such perks as the gym, meals, and franking. Readers—taxpayers from all walks of life—will come away with a comprehensive view of the costs of operating Congress.

Author : Christopher R. Moran
Publisher : Edinburgh University Press
Page : 336 pages
File Size : 51,5 Mb
Release : 2013-03-31
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780748677566

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Intelligence Studies in Britain and the US by Christopher R. Moran Pdf

The first introduction to writing about intelligence and intelligence services. Secrecy has never stopped people from writing about intelligence. From memoirs and academic texts to conspiracy-laden exposes and spy novels, writing on intelligence abounds. Now, this new account uncovers intelligence historiography's hugely important role in shaping popular understandings and the social memory of intelligence. In this first introduction to these official and unofficial histories, a range of leading contributors narrate and interpret the development of intelligence studies as a discipline. Each chapter showcases new archival material, looking at a particular book or series of books and considering issues of production, censorship, representation and reception.

Author : Marc J. Schabracq
Publisher : John Wiley and Sons
Page : 263 pages
File Size : 49,8 Mb
Release : 2009-09-28
Category : Psychology
ISBN : 9780470660423

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Changing Organizational Culture by Marc J. Schabracq Pdf

To alter an organization’s culture, change agents must first understand its attitudes, beliefs and assumptions. Marc Schabracq’s innovative new book is based on a fresh way of thinking that deals with both the functional and structural features of cultures. Focusing on the greatest barrier to organizational change - the attitudes and assumptions of people – it offers three approaches that collectively assist the change process: changing goals through the leader; improving effectiveness through the members; and enriching assumptions through group dialogue. The scales, checklists and exercises are available online. A priceless resource for consultants and change agents, Changing Organizational Culture is also valuable reading for senior managers and business students interested in the change process.

Author : Donald R. Wolfensberger
Publisher : Woodrow Wilson Center Press
Page : 324 pages
File Size : 43,6 Mb
Release : 2001-04-27
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 0801867266

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Congress and the People by Donald R. Wolfensberger Pdf

Will some form of direct democracy supplant representative, deliberative government in the twenty-first century United States? That question is at the heart of Donald R. Wolfensberger's history of Congress and congressional reform, which runs back to the Constitution's creation of a popularly elected House of Representatives and forward to the surreal ending of the 105th Congress, featuring barrels of pork, resignation of the speaker, and impeachment of the president. The author's expertise comes from twenty-eight years as a staff member in the House, culminating in service as chief of staff of the powerful House Rules Committee. He was a top parliamentary expert and a principal Republican procedural strategist. Sensitive to the power of process, Wolfensberger is an authoritative guide to reform efforts of earlier eras. And as a participant in reforms since the 1960s, he offers a unique perspective on forging the "1970s sunshine coalition," televising House proceedings, debating term limits, and coping with democracy in an electronic age.

Author : Donald R. Matthews
Publisher : Greenwood
Page : 303 pages
File Size : 48,5 Mb
Release : 1980
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 0313226644

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U.S. Senators and Their World by Donald R. Matthews Pdf

Author : Brian Alexander
Publisher : Lexington Books
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 2022-09-15
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 1793601291

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A Social Theory of Congress by Brian Alexander Pdf

Norms play an important role in the functioning of the U.S. Congress. The first book-length treatment of the topic in over fifteen years, A Social Theory of Congress addresses what are norms, what congressional norms exist, and what effects norms have, and adds a new theoretical perspective to consider Congress.

Author : Thomas E. Mann,Norman J. Ornstein
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 289 pages
File Size : 50,7 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : History
ISBN : 9780195368710

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The Broken Branch by Thomas E. Mann,Norman J. Ornstein Pdf

Two nationally renowned congressional scholars review the evolution of Congress from the early days of the republic to 2006, arguing that extreme partisanship and a disregard for institutional procedures are responsible for the institution's current state