CONGRESS IN CHANGE: Evolution and Reform

by Norman J. -- Ed. Ornstein ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 1974

This somewhat warmed-over collection ranges from a version of ""Computer Simulation and Legislative 'Professionalization'"" (1970) by Douglas Price of Harvard to a couple of Time essays on Congress and TV. The general subject is change in the character and background of legislators, procedures, and informal structures such as caucuses. Professor Price and others find a trend toward longer Congressional careers. A speech by Robert Packwood, who replaced Wayne Morse in the Senate, attacks the seniority system; in a later essay, Garrison Nelson hints that such attacks may not be a simple thrust for virtue, but an effort by ""other power centers"" to get rid of Congressmen tied to their constituencies, as well as old-fashioned conservatives, in lieu of an analysis of party leaderships and maneuvers, profiles of Senate leaders Mansfield and LBJ are included, the latter by columnists Evans and Novak. (Of Ford it is said in passing that he doesn't ""resent others' shining."") Norman Ornstein describes the basketball-score electronic voting system's effect on Congressmen (party whips can tell much faster who is breaking discipline). A final undated essay deals with ""The Changing Status of the Freshman Representative."" Apart from its flabbiness, the book will find a limited audience.

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1974

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Praeger

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1974

Categories: NONFICTION