This study examined the concept of, need for, nature of, and prospects for congressional reform. In this initial chapter of the study, the role of Congress in American politics, a definition of reform, and the need for congressional reform are addressed. The functioning of Congress is addressed in the second chapter of the study, while congressional reform is addressed in chapters three, four, and five. Subjects for reform are covered in Chapter 3, past reforms are reviewed in Chapter 4, and the probable effects of congressional reform are considered in Chapter 5. The probability of congressional reform is assessed in Chapter 6, while the conclusions of the study are presented in the final chapter.
The powers of Congress are established in Article I of the Constitution of the United States, wherein all constitutionally granted powers are vested in the Congress. Section 8 of Article I specifies 18 specific powers vested in Congress, while Section 9 enumerates eight prohibitions against congressional action.
While the outcomes of the on going battle between the executive and legislative branches of American government are often said to be trending in favor of the president, "Presidential government is rate in American politics."1 By and large, presidents either cooperate with Congress, or governmental stalemate occurs.
1Nigel Bowles, The White House and Capitol Hill (Oxford, England: Clarendon Press, 1987), 243.
Within the context of congressional reform, change is sought in the ways in which Congress does business and in the environment that aids members of Congress in retaining their congressional seats. Congressional reform does not refer to constitutional change in the function and powers of Congress.
Strong public pressures exist for ending many, perhaps most, of the special privileges accruing to members of Congress.2 For the greater part, the American population has long accepted and cherished the notion of...