Description
Book SynopsisWith the branches of the federal government becoming increasingly hostile, more Americans wonder whether national politics can be described as gridlock or good government. These essays provide answers by exploring the complicated nature and multiple implications of divided government in the US.
Trade ReviewPeter Galderisi has assembled a great team of veteran stars and talented rookies to confront one of the most vexing aspects of contemporary politics: divided government. They make lots of hits, score many runs, and make few errors. -- John C. Green, University of Akron
Divided government has been a common characteristic of American politics for more than forty years . . . ten distinguished political scientists and historians present informative and insightful essays that brilliantly illuminate the subject. -- A James Reichley, Senior Fellow; Georgetown University; author of The Life of the Parties
The discussion this book would elicit in any upper-division undergraduate course and graduate survey course, would clearly identify the causes and consequences of the American policy-making environment. The empirical evidence supporting these chapters is well referenced, with several chapters including clear charts and graphs. In addition, the bibliography provides a good starting point for students wanting to undertake a literature search of some of the most important scholars and practitioners in American government. -- Jeanette Pigeon, Long Beach Community College
. . . a wonderful collection of essays by leading scholars who assess and advance the state of our knowledge on this important phenemonon . . . This book is a gem. -- Walter J. Stone, University of Colorado at Boulder
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Introduction: Divided Government Past and Present Chapter 3 Divided Government in Historical Perspective, 1789-1996 Chapter 4 The Causes and Consequences of Divided Government: Lessons of 1992-1994 Chapter 5 Divided Government and the 1994 Elections Chapter 6 The Road to Divided Government: Paved without Intention Chapter 7 It's the Constitution, Stupid! Congress, the President, Divided Government, and Poliymaking Chapter 8 The New Deal, the Modern Presidency, and Divided Government, Chapter 9 Unity Versus Divisions: The Effect of Divided Government on Policy Development Chapter 10 Doing One's Job: A Constitutional Principle and a Political Strategy for an Uncertain Future Chapter 11 Bibliography Chapter 12 Index
