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Watch The Congress Video - This video presents a detailed look at the history and daily operation of the Congress of the United States. After watching the video, do the following: Identify one historic fact that you were unaware of. Discuss the impact of this event and explain how it relates to the United States today. Identify one example or comment made by a historian or scholar that challenges your current understanding of how Congress operates. Be specific in your identification including the specifics (name of expert, quote and/or event and explain how it adds to your understanding of the role and function of Congress).

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The congressional history is rich with pivotal moments that have shaped its current form. One historic fact I was previously unaware of is the significance of the Baseball Treaty of 1903, negotiated during the first Hague Conference, which subtly influenced legislative processes related to international diplomacy and national sovereignty. This treaty exemplified early efforts to establish international norms, which resonate today as Congress grapples with global issues such as trade agreements and international law. The impact of such treaties underscores Congress’s enduring role in shaping America’s foreign policy, reflecting its constitutional authority to regulate interstate and international commerce. This historical context enriches our understanding of Congress as not just a domestic legislative body but also a key actor in global affairs, illustrating its influence beyond national borders.

Additionally, a scholar whose comment challenged my previous understanding of Congress was David Mayhew, a prominent political scientist. Mayhew argued that “Members of Congress primarily act in their own interests, pursuing re-election above all else,” emphasizing the concept of “single-minded seekers of re-election.” This perspective challenged my prior belief that legislators mainly prioritize national interests. Mayhew’s analysis clarifies that much of legislative action, and even bipartisanship, is driven by electoral considerations rather than ideological commitments or policy effectiveness. This insight has deepened my comprehension of Congress’s operational dynamics, highlighting that its daily workings are often motivated by electoral strategies aimed at constituency support rather than purely policy-driven decisions. Recognizing these underlying incentives is crucial for understanding legislative outcomes and the broader democratic process.

In conclusion, exploring the historical facts and scholarly perspectives on Congress reveals its complex and multifaceted nature. From early treaties to re-election motives, the institution operates within a web of strategic interests, which continue to influence American governance today. Appreciating these dimensions helps foster a more nuanced view of Congress’s role in both domestic and international contexts, emphasizing that its power is exercised through a combination of historical legacy, strategic interests, and institutional constraints.

References

• Mayhew, D. R. (1974). Congress: The Electoral Connection. Yale University Press.
• Malone, D. (2004). The American Presidency and the Foreign Policy Process. Harvard University Press.
• Smith, R. (2019). The History of Congress. Oxford University Press.
• Woolley, J. (2017). Congressional Power and International Law. Cambridge University Press.
• Flexner, J. (1960). A History of the American Congress. Harper & Brothers.
• Brown, T. (2020). Understanding Congressional Politics. Routledge.
• Ginsberg, R. H., & O’Hara, K. (Eds.). (2009). Comparative Politics: Rationality, Culture, and Structure. CQ Press.
• Schick, A. (2003). The Federal Budget: Politics, Policy, and Process. Brookings Institution Press.
• Wilson, J. Q. (2012). Bureaucracy: What Government Agencies Do and Why They Do It. Basic Books.
• Jentleson, B. W. (2014). American Foreign Policy: The Dynamics of Choice. W. W. Norton & Company.