Book Description

For the past decade America has been faced with a perpetually divided government during the threat of economic slowdown, and governmental efficiency deteriorating. This ardent length of time has not only led to a standstill of government gridlock, but has also prompted the progressive thoughts of governmental reform on a grandeur scheme, while dismissing what conventional thought has traditionally proposed. Thomas E. Mann and Norman J. Ornstein reject both the "business-as-usual approach to reform," which assumes that no change is necessary following the November 1992 election, as well as the "Congress-bashing" emphasis on scandals and congressional perks. Instead, they focus on substantive ways to improve Congress' performance as a legislative body. Their recommendations are designed to strengthen the ability of the House to set an agenda and act upon it; increase the quality of deliberation and debate; improve relations between the parties; reform the campaign finance system; and clean up Congress's internal support system.