Description
Book SynopsisIn this edited volume, an array of scholars has examined recent policymaking efforts in selected areas of contemporary importance. Government at Work: Policymaking in the Twenty-First Century Congress provides chapter-length treatment to reveal the similarities and fundamentals of policy development while also illustrating the unique issues and obstacles found in each policy environment. This book's scope spans the entire policymaking process, exposing the readers to the interaction among all major power centers, ranging from interest groups, media, courts, Congress, the president, and the federal bureaucracy. It shows the dynamic nature of American policymaking system. The approach employed in this book treats events, such as Congress passing a law or the Supreme Court announcing a ruling, as important steps in the policy process rather than as merely ends unto themselves.This volume focuses on major legislation passed by Congress since the turn of the century. It features one case st
Trade ReviewWith so much attention to congressional elections, representation, and process, Congress’ role in governing often does not get the attention it deserves. Ahuja and Dewhirst and their contributors provide a series of contemporary legislative policy case studies that address key questions about the struggle over policies and give the student a better sense of how process affects policy outcomes. The book is a refreshing contribution for instructing students about the conditions under which Congress manages to pass legislation and the trade-offs that are involved. -- Bruce I. Oppenheimer, Vanderbilt University
Table of ContentsForeword, Robert P. Watson Preface Chapter 1: The Politics of the Policymaking Process in a Time of Hyperpartisanship, Sunil Ahuja and Robert E. Dewhirst Chapter 2: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (2009), Michelle L. Wade Chapter 3: The Struggle to Repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (2010), Sean D. Foreman Chapter 4: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010), Douglas M. Brattebo Chapter 5: Higher Education Opportunity Act (2008), Sunil Ahuja Chapter 6: Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act and Citizens United v. FEC (2002, 2010), Peter J. Bergerson, Margaret E. Banyan, Ashley Skalecki, and Aleea L. Perry Chapter 7: Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010), Marcia L. Godwin with Shandra L. McDonald Chapter 8: The USA PATRIOT Act (2001), Kevin N. Buterbaugh Chapter 9: Evolving Lessons of Lawmaking In a Dynamic System, Robert E. Dewhirst and Sunil Ahuja
