America's Congress Actions in the Public Sphere, James Madison Through Newt Gingrich David R. Mayhew

?This refreshing and interesting book offers an entirely new perspective on Congress?s history and its role in U.S. politics. It is a book that every student of Congress will want to read.??Gary C. Jacobson, author of The Politics of Congressional Elections

?Professor of political science Woodrow Wilson lamented that ?Congress cannot, under our present system [1880s] . . . be effective for public instruction of public opinion, or the cleansing of political action.? If the system and the trend had continued, our public sphere would be roughly a pie shaped wedge extending a few blocks from the capital, incorporating a small part of the Northwest of Washington, DC. But no one took Wilson seriously enough or had the ingenuity to put his proposition to the test, until David Mayhew. In this important book, Mayhew uses common sense to turn historical scholarship into data. And he fulfills his purpose, to evaluate ?public affairs in a democracy? rather than merely to deplore its passing.??Theodore J. Lowi, John L. Senior Professor of American Institutions, Cornell University 

?An intriguing book, America?s Congress explores a key gap in the formal study of national politics and provides an instructive look into the dynamics of Congress.??Joshua Micah Marshall, American Prospect

?Mayhew has written an important book of broad scope that looks at Congress in historical perspective and seeks to understand the nature of important ?actions? taken by members of Congress. . . . A must for those interested in congressional history and strongly recommended for students of Congress and U.S. history.??J. Heyrman, Choice

?Students of Congress will find their understanding of the institution and its members enriched by it, and the book would serve as a helpful supplement to an advanced undergraduate or graduate course on Congress.??David Menefee-Libey, Congress & The Presidency

"America?s Congress offers a unique perspective to Congress?s role in American history?and reveals the challenges to come for future members."?Deborah L. Acomb, National Journal

?Splendid.??Michael Barone, Public Interest

?America?s Congress is a model of careful research and crisp writing. . . . [A] superb study. . . . I predict [this book] will become a standard text in government courses. . . . In his splendid work, David Mayhew offers convincing evidence that representative democracy is alive and well in America and making a significant difference?a condition the founders would warmly applaud.??Lee Edwards, World & I