Congress and the Legislative Process (325-0-20)

Instructors

Laurel Harbridge-Yong
847 4671147
601 University Place #312A

Meeting Info

555 Clark B01: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course introduces students to the analysis of the United States Congress with the goals of unpacking why policymaking often appears at odds with public preferences and why problems facing the country go unresolved. The subject matter covers many aspects of Congress - from congressional elections and redistricting, to institutional arrangements like committees and political parties, to the challenges of governing in an era of polarized politics. We will also explore how Congress interacts with the President and how interest groups may pressure members of Congress. The course emphasizes how the goals of members, particularly reelection, shape the organization of the institution and the policies it produces.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, you will have acquired the following skills:

Critically reflect on how institutional rules affect congressional outcomes,

Analyze the impact of elections on legislative behavior,

Evaluate the role of parties in Congress,

Assess how polarization and party competition impact representation and governing

Teaching Method

Lecture, Discussion Section

Evaluation Method

In-class midterm
Paper
Final Project
Participation

Class Materials (Required)

All course readings will be available on Canvas or via electronic access

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for Political Science students until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites.

Associated Classes

DIS - Annenberg Hall G30: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Technological Institute M166: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM