The American Congress (n/a)

Location: Columbia University, n/a

Time: n/a

Semester: n/a

Abstract

In this course, we review the history of the American Congress, its creation under the Constitution, and how its designed solved collective action problems, focusing on works by the founders, Edmund Burke, and Dick Fenno. We then review procedure, bicameralism, supermajoritarianism, committees, and game theory, focusing particularly on work by Greg Wawro, Eric Schikler, and Keith Krehbiel. Finally, we study ideal point estimation, parties, polarization, gridlock, and trends in congressional organization, focusing on work by Matt McCubbins, Steven Smith, and Sarah Binder.

Level

Upper level course for college juniors and seniors.

Objective

Understand the making of our nation and its laws by it’s most (in)famous political body, Congress.