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OverviewThe creation of temporary, independent advisory bodies that give advice to Congress, is an important yet under-investigated area of congressional delegation. With variations to fit the circumstances, lawmakers entrust commissions to accomplish diverse goals, such as coping with increases in the scope and complexity of legislation, forging consensus, drafting legislation, finessing institutional obstacles, coordinating strategy, and promoting party unity. Campbell investigates why and when Congress formulates policy by commissions rather than by the normal legislative process. He shows that many variables go into the decision to entrust those bodies to render non-partisan recommendations. According to lawmakers and their staff, the three primary justifications for choosing to delegate to commission include expertise, workload, and avoidance. Which of these three dominates depends in large part on the politics surrounding a particular issue and the nature of the policy problem. The logic of delegation to each of the three commission types is different. Which reason dominates depends in large part on the politics surrounding the issue and the nature of the legislative policy problem. Scholars, students, and other researchers involved with Congress, American government, and public policy will find the study of particular interest. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Colton C. CampbellPublisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Imprint: Praeger Publishers Inc Dimensions: Width: 15.60cm , Height: 1.30cm , Length: 23.00cm Weight: 0.467kg ISBN: 9780275975111ISBN 10: 0275975118 Pages: 216 Publication Date: 30 November 2001 Recommended Age: From 7 to 17 years Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate , Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly Format: Hardback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: Manufactured on demand  We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier. Table of ContentsPreface Introduction The Development and Use of Ad Hoc Commissions in Legislative Policymaking The Path to Delegation The Politics of Congressional Delegation A Case in Expertise: The National Commission on AIDS A Study in Workload Management: The National Commission on The Thrift Industry A Study in Blame Avoidance: The Base Closure and Realignment Commission The Significance of Commissions in Understanding Legislative Behavior Appendix 1: Method and Scope of Research Appendix 2: Legislative Language Creating a Commission Appendix 3: Proposed Commissions: 93rd through 107th Congresses Selected Bibliography IndexReviews?This study of congressional commissions seeks to answer questions about this use (some would say abuse) of the legislative process. Campbell surveys the history of congressional commissions, explains why Congress would voluntarily render up some of its power, and provides case studies of several congressional commissions. Essentially, Campbell notes that Congress has turned to creating a commission when (1) the issues are large and complex, and members of Congress lack the necessary expertise; (2) the congressional workload prevents the institution and its members from being able to efficiently do their jobs because of pressures of time, information, and volume; (3) the institution seeks to avoid, or at least to share, blame. Some issues (military base closings come to mind) are so sensitive that members would just as soon not be held responsible for making the difficult decisions. Members whose electoral fortunes rest on the home folks seldom prefer the collective good. Some critics of Congress have argued that the institution creates far too many commissions and deeds far too much decision-making power to these extralegal institutions. This study equips academics and citizens to make their own judgment on these commissions. The case studies are particularly interesting and illustrative. Recommended for general readers through graduate students.?-CHOICE Author InformationCOLTON C. CAMPBELL is Assistant Professor of Political Science, Florida International University. He has co-edited five earlier books on Congressional politics and practices. Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |
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