The government of the United States is a living system. As such,
it is subject to subtle change and modification over time, but
still maintains a constancy via its central nervous system-a
congressional form of rule. Woodrow Wilson saw congressional
government as "Committee" government. It is administered by
semi-independent executive agents who obey the dictates of a
legislature, though the agents themselves are not of ultimate
authority or accountability. Written by Wilson when he was a
twenty-eight-year-old graduate student, this is an astounding
examination of the American legislative branches, especially in
light of the fact that Wilson had not yet even visited Congress at
the time of its composition.
Wilson divides "Congressional Government" into six parts. In
part one, his introductory statement, Wilson analyzes the need for
a federal Constitution and asks whether or not it is still a
document that should be unquestioningly venerated. In part two,
Wilson describes the make-up and functions of the House of
Representatives in painstaking detail. Part three is concerned with
taxation and financial administration by the government and its
resulting economic repercussions. Part four is an explanation of
the Senate's role in the legislative process. The electoral system
and responsibilities of the president are the central concerns of
part five. And Wilson concludes, in part six, with a both
philosophical and practical summarization of the congressional form
of the United States government, in which he also compares it to
European modes of state governance.
In a new introduction specially prepared for this edition,
William F. Connelly, Jr. compares Wilson, as a professional
politician, to former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. He notes
that Wilson's ideas, which have had a lasting influence, helped
form Gingrich's outlook on the role of the Constitution and the
executive branch in the legislative process. He also investigates
Wilson's criticism of Madison's separation of powers.
"Congressional Government" is a document of continuing relevance,
and will be essential for those interested in politics and American
history.
General
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