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CIAO DATE: 3/5/2007
Restoring Order: Practical Solutions to Congressional Dysfunction
Thomas E. Mann, Norman J. Ornstein
November 2006
Abstract
The Framers of our nation created a political system built upon three vibrant, assertive, and active branches of government, with a series of checks and balances in place to make sure that no single branch or individual could accumulate too much power and threaten the rights and freedoms of citizens, and to create a deliberative process to make good public policy. Congress, the first branch of government, was designed to be the linchpin of this system, the body closest to the people, with the most robust specified powers.
In recent years Congress has failed to properly execute its role as the first branch of government. Congress' inability to represent, legislate, and to check and balance the other branches of government has let down the nation. The disappearance of the ideological center has created a polarized and combative Congress. Fairness in the legislative process has broken down and a majority-rule-at-all-costs mentality has stifled discussion and ended consensus building. Oversight has disappeared; as has the institutional pride that drives Congress to challenge the executive when it tries to expand its own powers; instead, executive authority has spread unchecked. Ethical standards have eroded. Dysfunction in Congress is always bad, but it is particularly alarming now when the nation's challenges at home and abroad are so acute.
After the 2006 election, we have a golden opportunity to fix our nation's broken branch. It is critical that Congress remain transparent and accountable. The House and Senate must work to create balance and restore order and integrity to the legislative process. The country needs and deserves an active, confident, and institutionally strong Congress. As former members of Congress, we recognize the urgent need for these reforms. This important guide is written and crafted by noted experts in congressional reform, Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein, who believe deeply in Congress as the first branch of our government, and understand its vital role in protecting our democracy.
