In the mid-1970s, just when Congress seemed static and incapable of rejuvenation, the institution experienced an unexpected and transformative change. What accounted for this dynamic process and continues to explain other more recent upheavals and waves of reform?
This volume charts the thinking of scholar Lawrence Dodd in his development of theoretical explanations for congressional change over timea "explained by members' pursuit of power, institutional and electoral contexts, cyclical rhythms, social learning, and polarization within society. Dodd's power cycle theory, modeled here as a dynamic act of theory development itself, takes shape to define an organizational cycle, an electoral cycle, and a learning cycle in Congress.
Dodd also begins to explore here for the first time a fourth dimension of change, highlighting the possibility that the very act of Congress's transformative change and issue responsiveness may bring with it unseen and yet deep structured dangers that threaten the cyclical resilience of Congress. By showing an evolving multi-dimensional theory of congressional change in process from essay to essay, this book demonstrates the act of theory building, legitimizing this sustained form of empirical political inquiry in its own right. A new foreword from political scientist Eric Schickler sets the stage for the ways tin which Dodd's work has been innovative in the field of legislative studies.
Industry Reviews
"This compilation of Larry Dodd's contributions to legislative studies establishes him a prominent place in the legacy of Professor Woodrow Wilson's Congressional Government. He has brought together old and new approaches, from description and case study, to history, APD, classical political theory, economic theory, game theory--not eclectic but inclusive. And beyond that, he reads well!" --Theodore J. Lowi, John L. Senior Professor of American Institutions, Cornell University "This book is remarkable and unique. It details the intellectual journey of the author over many decades in seeking to solve the complex and difficult problem of explaining congressional change. It thus should be read both to allow one of the most insightful students of Congress in our discipline to enhance our own understanding of this critical topic, and in more personal terms, as an exemplar of how an ordered and dedicated quest for knowledge can be successfully pursued." --Joseph Cooper, Johns Hopkins University "Thinking about Congress offers a unique and remarkable perspective on the evolution of the U.S. Congress. The volume brings together Larry Dodd's most important theoretical and empirical contributions, and raises critical questions about how we should study the institution and its place in the broader American political system. Every reader will gain an appreciation for the difficulty of explaining congressional change and for Dodd's essential role in helping us to navigate such fascinating terrain." --Sarah Binder, The Brookings Institution and George Washington University "Seeing all of Larry Dodd's greatest hits in one place reinforces the impact that he has had on the study of Congress over the last 35 years. His insights from the 1970s are as relevant today as when he first published them. And his essays from the last ten years show Dodd's flexibility as he has cast his keen eye to an institution that would have been barely recognizable in the 1970s. My hope for all of us who study Congress is that this is only volume 1!" --Sean M. Theriault, University of Texas at Austin "This collection of Larry Dodd's essays provides unique and profound understanding--and wisdom--about the place and evolution of the pre-eminent legislative body in the U.S. constitutional system. The insights he offers are both deep and broad and extend well beyond Congress, and help us grasp more fully the essence of the American polity." --Rodney E. Hero, University of California, Berkeley
