Category Archives: Bicameralism

Is the GOP Debt Ceiling Proposal Constitutional?

Posted on January 21, 2013 by

Over the weekend, House Republicans unveiled a debt ceiling proposal that’s the subject of some controversy.  Shocking, I know.  The controversy hinges on the fact that, while Republicans tout themselves as defenders of the Constitution, their plan contains a constitutionally … Continue reading →

Posted in American Political Development, Bicameralism, Congressional Absurdity, Legislative Procedure, Political Parties | 3 Comments

Continuing Resolution Passes House 219-203

Posted on September 23, 2011 by

Late tonight the House passed a resolution by a vote of 219 to 203 to fund the government through the 18th of November.  Yesterday, a similar resolution failed on the House floor as 48 Republicans (mostly conservatives) joined almost all Democrats … Continue reading →

Posted in Bicameralism, Legislative Politics, Legislative Procedure | Leave a comment

Reasons to be Optimistic about the Super Committee

Posted on September 8, 2011 by

The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction—a.k.a. the “super committee”—will hold its first official meeting today (September 8th) at 10:30am.  Today’s meeting of the committee is an organizational one, with members debating and approving the committee’s rules and procedures.  Any … Continue reading →

Posted in Bicameralism, Legislative Politics, Legislative Procedure | Leave a comment

A Long History of Super Committees: The Connecticut Compromise

Posted on August 4, 2011 by

I’ve taken a bit of a hiatus from the blog the past few weeks.  I had to make some editorial revisions to my dissertation, pack everything, move, unpack and prepare my syllabi for the upcoming semester.  But I’m gainfully employed and finally … Continue reading →

Posted in American Political Development, Bicameralism | 2 Comments

“Cognitive Madisonians” and Congressional Approval

Posted on May 12, 2011 by

Declining approval of Congress is a popular topic these days (note: low Congressional approval is always popular, just more so recently).  The importance of this issue was aptly described in 1974 by Arthur Miller: “a democratic political system cannot survive for … Continue reading →

Posted in Bicameralism, Legislative Politics, Political Behavior | 2 Comments