PSC 305 - U.S. Congress

Course unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): PSC 101 Introduction to American National Government or permission of instructor.
Congress is the most preeminent and, paradoxically, least loved of our national political institutions. Why is this the case? This course examines several empirical and analytical questions about Congress and the legislative process, including, most importantly: can Congress govern? It considers the design and constitutional foundations of Congress, the historical development of the House and the Senate, the rules and procedures of the legislative process, and contemporary congressional politics. Key topics include the nature of representation, the role of political parties and interest groups in lawmaking, and interbranch relationships between Congress and the presidency and judiciary. In brief, we will examine the history, members, workings, and future of the First Branch of American government.