Congress as Public Enemy: Public Attitudes Toward American Political Institutions

ISBN-13: 9780521483360 / Angielski / Miękka / 1995 / 208 str.

John R. Hibbing; Elizabeth Theiss-Morse; James H. Kuklinski

Opis

This timely book describes and explains the American people's alleged hatred of their own branch of government, the U.S. Congress. Focus group sessions held across the country and a specially designed national survey indicate that much of the negativity is generated by popular perceptions of the processes of governing visible in Congress. But Hibbing and Theiss-Morse conclude that the public's unwitting desire to reform democracy out of a democratic legislature is a cure more dangerous than the disease.

Recenzje

"This excellent piece of research and analysis gives much to think about as we focus on maintaining public support of our political institutions." W.K. Hall, Choice

Spis treści

List of figures; List of tables; Preface; 1. Introduction: what is wrong with the American political system?; 2. Changing levels of support for individual institutions; 3. Perceptions of political institutions; 4. Perceptions of congressional features and reforms; 5. Focus groups and perceptions of the Washington system; 6. Who approves of congress?; 7. Support for democratic processes; 8. Conclusion: the people and their political system; Appendix; References; Index.