Strengthening Congress

With the benefit of an insider's perspective, distinguished former
congressman Lee H. Hamilton argues that America needs a stronger Congress and a more
engaged citizenry in order to ensure responsive and effective democracy. Hamilton
explains how Congress has drifted away from the role envisioned for it in the
Constitution as a body whose power and influence would be preeminent in the American
system of government. He details the steps that Congress should take to re-establish
its parity with the executive branch and become an institution that works reliably
and effectively for the betterment of the nation -- reinforce congressional
oversight, restore the deliberative process, curb the influence of lobbyists, and
reduce excessive partisanship. Concurrently, Hamilton calls upon Americans to take
more seriously their obligations and responsibilities as citizens and engage with
the critical issues facing their communities and the nation.