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Why Congressional Reforms Fail: Reelection and the House Committee System
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Why Congressional Reforms Fail: Reelection and the House Committee System Hardback - 2002 - 1st Edition

by E. Scott Adler

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From the publisher

For decades, advocates of congressional reforms have repeatedly attempted to clean up the House committee system, which has been called inefficient, outmoded, unaccountable, and even corrupt. Yet these efforts result in little if any change, as members of Congress who are generally satisfied with existing institutions repeatedly obstruct what could fairly be called innocuous reforms.

What lies behind the House's resistance to change? Challenging recent explanations of this phenomenon, Scott Adler contends that legislators resist rearranging committee powers and jurisdictions for the same reason they cling to the current House structure--the ambition for reelection. The system's structure works to the members' advantage, helping them obtain funding (and favor) in their districts. Using extensive evidence from three major reform periods--the 1940s, 1970s, and 1990s--Adler shows that the reelection motive is still the most important underlying factor in determining the outcome of committee reforms, and he explains why committee reform in the House has never succeeded and probably never will.

First line

THE ELECTION OF A GOP MAJORITY IN 1994 OFFERED THE PROMise of a "Republican revolution" that would lead to dramatic changes in the House and Senate.

From the rear cover

For decades, advocates of congressional reforms have repeatedly attempted to clean up the House committee system, which has been called inefficient, outmoded, unaccountable, and even corrupt. Yet these efforts result in little if any change, as members of Congress continually obstruct what could fairly be called innocuous reforms.

What lies behind the House's resistance to change? Challenging recent explanations, Scott Adler contends that legislators resist rearranging committee powers and jurisdictions for the same reason they cling to other aspects of House structure-the ambition for reelection. The system's structure works to the members' advantage, helping them obtain funding (and favor) in their districts. Using extensive evidence from three major reform periods-the 1940s, 1970s, and 1990s-Adler shows that the reelection motive is still the most important underlying factor in determining the outcome of committee reforms, and he explains why committee reform in the House has never succeeded and probably never will.

Details

  • Title Why Congressional Reforms Fail: Reelection and the House Committee System
  • Author E. Scott Adler
  • Binding Hardback
  • Edition number 1st
  • Edition 1
  • Pages 263
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher University of Chicago Press
  • Publication date June 15, 2002
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780226007557 / 0226007553
  • Weight 1.13 lbs (0.51 kg)
  • Dimensions 9 x 6 x 0.8 in (22.86 x 15.24 x 2.03 cm)
  • Category Politics / Current Events
  • Library of Congress subjects United States - Reform, United States - Committees
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 2002018969
  • Dewey Decimal Code 328.730

About the author

Scott Adler is an assistant professor of political science at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
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Why Congressional Reforms Fail: Reelection and the House Committee System (American Politics and...
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Why Congressional Reforms Fail: Reelection and the House Committee System (American Politics and Political Economy Series)

by Adler, E. Scott

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780226007557 / 0226007553
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Description:
University of Chicago Press. Used - Good. Sticker on cover. Ships from UK in 48 hours or less (usually same day). Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. Ex-library, so some stamps and wear, but in good overall condition. May contain underlining and/or highlighting. 100% money back guarantee. We are a world class secondhand bookstore based in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom and specialize in high quality textbooks across an enormous variety of subjects. We aim to provide a vast range of textbooks, rare and collectible books at a great price. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. We provide a 100% money back guarantee and are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest standards of service in the bookselling industry.
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