Who Makes Public Policy?

Gilmour and Halley synthesize ten case studies sponsored by the National Academy of Public Administration that relate stories of congressional intervention and suggest, in sum, a new theory of congressional-executive relations. Arguing that Congress cannot be dismissed as a troublesome meddler in agency programs or as an inattentive bystander in its oversight role, the editors draw from these case histories the surprising conclusion that Congress in fact acts regularly, with the executive branch, as a powerful "co-manager" of policy outlines and program details.