Party, Process, and Political Change in Congress

This work addresses the development of congressional practices and institutions and ties the changes to key political and economic events. In connecting political and economic events with changes in Congress, the authors examine the political economy of the history of Congress. They draw upon history to offer insights about contemporary issues such as party polarization, filibuster reform, direct election of politicians, intercameral bargaining, and the role of committees in the political process. Through this approach the authors help us to understand how politics and economics interact to affect Congress.

David W. Brady is Bowen H. and Janice Arthur McCoy Professor of Political Science and Leadership Values at Stanford University. His books include Revolving Gridlock (1998), Critical Elections in the U.S. House of Representatives (Stanford, 1988), and Party, Process, and Political Change in Congress (Stanford, 2002). Mathew D. McCubbins is Professor of Political Science at the University of California, San Diego. His books include The Logic of Delegation, Legislative Leviathan, and Party, Process, and Political Change in Congress (Stanford, 2002).