1. Congressional Reform

2. Conflict of interests Conflict between Individual Ambitions
Constituency Issues
Priority of the nation
Conscience
Congress has become more assertive since the 1970’s, but has it become more constructive?

3. Legislative Control over the President
War Powers Act 1973 – which reasserted Congressional oversight of foreign policy
Budget and Impoundment Act 1974 – A more effective check on the President’s economic and budgetary planning
Budget Committees set up in both houses, along with a congressional budget office, to acquire information previously witheld

4. Internal Workings of Congress
Committee Structure
Power lay with the chairpersons, freshmen did not stand a chance of influence
Seniority Rule – Length of service determined committee allocation, favours states where there is unbroken service, also allows for advancement within
As the Democrats won every election from 1930’s-1970’s the committee’s were heavily Democrat, from rural and white areas.
The President certainly knew who best to deal with

5. Reform of the Structure
Democrats decided that Chairpersons to be nominated by the steering and policy committee of the Majority Party
As younger and more liberal representatives came through, the old guard fell away
Chairpeople of committees were barred from chairing other committees
Improved staffing means that Committees are more efficient and better advised.

6. Letting the Cameras in
Representatives and senators have learnt to exploit television by consenting to interviews, appearing on news programmes and crafting photo opportunities with constituents
State of the Union messages and other dramatic events at Capitol Hill, such as the possible impeachment of Richard Nixon could be broadcast

7. What more could be done
Change in overall control from Democrats to Republicans have led to a greater willingness to challenge Presidential policy – Partic. Clinton
Congress now has the expertise and can more effectively challenge the President
Yet, as there is no party structure it is very difficult for Congress to unify

8. Key questions…… Is Congress efficient?
A vast number of complex bills, which makes it a laborious exercise
“it would take Congress 30 days to make instant coffee” - Brinkley
Does Congress defend the national interest?
Legislators are so keen to get re-elected the national interest is lost in local demands
Congress is concerned with “perpetuating the longevity and comfort of the men who run it” – Rhodes (one time House Leader)

9. Continued…… Is Congress Representative?
Over-representation of middle and upper-middle income groups
Dominated by 535 sets of individual considerations, Congress can be ineffective, unable to devise coherent policy initiatives
Major policy needs including tax, energy, welfare and gun control have been difficult to resolve

10. Should there be Term Limits?
In the 19th century elected politicians limited themselves?
The development for seniority rule in Committees inspired representatives to seek a longer term
Citizen Legislature Act (1994 – Contract with America), placed limits on congressional terms. This was decreed unconstituional (US Term Limits, inc. vs Thornton, 1995)

11. Why is term limits a hot topic?
All politicians, partic. Congressmen are viewed with disdain, by voters who are sceptical about their motives
Incumbents have been re-elected with great regularity, therefore stay at Capitol Hill for a long long time
Pre-requisites and salaries are generous so the incentive to be a long term career politician is clear to see, Congressmen receive $ /year

12. Task
What are the pros and cons for initiating term limits for Congressmen?

13. A beneficial change? Against
Term Limits are unnecessary as the American system has checks and balances. Politicans can be challenged at Primaries and at the ballot box
It seems undemocratic to prevent someone running for election, a limit on congressmen or voters?
If there is a problem of low ethics then simply vote the congressmen out!

14. A beneficial change? For
Term limits weaken the stranglehold of those who serve a long time in congress
A ‘citizen legislature’ would replace career politicians with ordinary people
Applying term limits is a natural extension to curbs on the President and also the limits on service for 31 Governors

15. Conclusions Americans expect Congress to be responsive and efficient
Many lack confidence in those who represent them, as they are often swayed by lobbyists
A ‘do nothing’ Congress is slow to identify, define and tackle problems

16. Questions
Why is the US Senate more powerful and prestigious than the House of Representatives?
Is Congress an efficient law making body?
What reforms might lead to an improvement in the public perception of Congress?