Hyperpartisanship has gridlocked the American government. Congress's approval ratings are at record lows, and both Democrats and Republicans are disgusted by the government's inability to get anything done. In It's Even Worse than It Looks, Congressional scholars Thomas E. Mann and Norman J. Ornstein present a grim picture of how party polarization and tribal politics have led Congress- and the United States- to the brink of institutional failure.In this revised edition, the authors bring their seminal book up-to-date in a political environment that is more divided than ever. The underlying dynamics of the situation- extremist Republicans holding government hostage to their own ideological, anti-government beliefs- have only gotten worse, further bolstering their argument that Republicans are not merely ideologically different from Democrats, but engaged in a unique form of politics that undermines the system itself. Without a fundamental change in the character and course of the Republican Party, we may have a long way to go before we hit rock bottom.

Applying the lessons of presidential history, this anthology of case studies-written by leading political scientists, historians, and subject matter experts-delves into the many facets of the presidency and promotes a greater understanding of the presidency for policymakers, academics, students, and general readers alike. Abraham Lincoln once said, "Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history." One hundred and fifty years later, this statement remains true: the lessons of history are increasingly important at a time of political deadlock and growing skepticism of leadership among the American public. An established classic in its field, Triumphs and Tragedies of the Modern Presidency underscores the importance of looking back to set an intelligent course for the future and promotes a better understanding of the U.S. presidency. This updated and revised second edition offers rare insights on presidential leadership since 2001 and adds considerable new information related to inter-term transitions. The case studies in this single-volume work cover an unparalleled scope of "modern presidential history" and related topics, beginning with the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt and continuing to the presidency of Barack Obama. Examples of the events and subject matter of the case studies include the interstate transport system, the building of the social safety net, the civil rights movement, the space program, environmental protection, education reform, the IT revolution, energy policy, the budget, economic policy, foreign policy, national security, defense policy, and presidential scandals. Each case study highlights a historical lesson and is authored by a different political scientist, historian, or subject matter expert, offering readers a multidisciplinary examination of the presidency. Provides a breadth of perspectives on the many facets of the president's role and powers from leading political scientists, historians, and subject-matter experts Offers case studies that provide readers with an unparalleled scope of presidential history and topics Includes a section devoted to an analysis of the first 100 days of each of these presidents Promotes transformational leadership in the presidency

Published in partnership with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, this book offers insightful examinations of congressional success and failure from the New Deal to today by leading political scholars and journalists. This analysis identifies lessons learned throughout history relevant to present and future politics. In many ways, Congress has shaped decades of prosperity at home and what is known as the "American Century" abroad. Great individuals have shaped the institution while also overcoming partisanship and rivalry for the sake of the nation. Still, others have succumbed to hubris and the pressure for partisan discord. Throughout this narrative, power has shifted regularly between Congress and the president, creating a very different era of conflict and collaboration. This book examines what has worked and what has failed, the extraordinary individuals who have led America's citizen legislators, and the landmark battles and victories that have shaped our nation's history. It offers the stories behind the headlines, the thinking behind key decisions, and the difficult compromises that have marked the most important episodes in Congressional history. An invaluable resource for political science majors and researchers in the field, professionals in Washington working in congressional offices, and readers interested in how Congress works and the reasons for recurring gridlock in government, Triumphs and Tragedies of the Modern Congress: Case Studies in Legislative Leadership describes how Congress has fought internally and externally to define itself and protect its prerogatives, identifying means and methods, politics and pitfalls, collaboration and conflict, challenges and breakthroughs, and unintended consequences throughout history. Case studies of notable congressional leaders that highlight their significant actions-both good and bad-are also provided. Offers compelling analysis of congressional policy and decision-making that enables readers to understand the potential impact on future politics Analyzes congressional relations with the executive branch, including power balance, successes, and points of conflict with the White House Addresses major domestic programs from the New Deal through No Child Left Behind Includes National Security and foreign policy case studies from World War II through the post-9/11 world as well as short biographies of Congress' most influential leaders Examines Congress' greatest spheres of influence and how these have changed over the years and considers how major congressional battles arose, were reconciled, and had lasting effects

A remarkable collection of farewell addresses by the thirteen U.S. senators who voluntarily retired in 1996-Bill Bradley, Hank Brown, William S. Cohen, J. James Exon, Mark O. Hatfield, Howell Heflin, J. Bennett Johnston, Nancy Landon Kassebaum, Sam Nunn, Claiborne Pell, David Pryor, Paul Simon, and Alan K. Simpson.