POLS 443. Congress and the Legislative Process (3)

This course covers the historical origins, development, and contemporary politics of the United States Congress and, to some extent, other American legislatures (state and local). The course examines the tension between Congress’ representational and policymaking functions, the details of the lawmaking process, and the way in which the Congress interacts with other political institutions. Students will gain an understanding of the process by which ideas make their way onto the political agenda, and eventually become (or fail to become) law, with a particular focus on how recent changes in Congress affect policymaking in the 21st century. Available for graduate credit.