The unrepresentativeness of the U.S. House of Representatives―in terms of ethnicity, gender, race, and socio―economic status―and its nearly closed system for election have generated questions about the legitimacy and authority of the House as an institution which represents citizens and whether House membership should mirror directly the diverse population of the nation.
This essay collection examines the causes of the unrepresentative character of the House and offers recommendations to make it a more representative deliberative body. The single-member district system is the major causal factor of the unrepresentativeness, and alternative electoral systems―single-transferable vote types of proportional representation, cumulative voting, and limited voting―are examined. The alternative electoral systems are multi-member district ones and can be employed only if Congress repeals its requirement that members of the House be elected by single-member districts. Other possible reforms include enlargement of the size of the House, term limits, a new system of election campaign finance, and more effective regulation of campaign contributions and expenditures. The essays provide balanced views on the effects of various reform proposals by including chapters by experts who warn of the possible unintended effects of reforms or argue that the proposed reforms are not needed and stress the need for actions to strengthen deliberations, promote civility, adjust the committee system, reduce the workload of members, and promote better public understanding of the House. An important collection for students, scholars, and researchers interested in the workings of Congress and American politics.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Examines the causes of the unrepresentative character of the House and looks at reform possibilities.
JOSEPH F. ZIMMERMAN is Professor of Political Science in the Graduate School of Public Affairs, State University of New York at Albany. His recent books include The New England Town Meeting: Democracy in Action (Praeger, 1999), The Recall: Tribunal of the People (Praeger, 1997), and Interstate Relations: The Neglected Dimension of Federalism (Praeger, 1996).
WILMA RULE is Adjunct Professor of Political Science at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is coeditor, with Joseph F. Zimmerman, of U.S. Electoral Systems: Their Impact on Women and Minorities (Greenwood Press, 1992) and Electoral Systems in Comparative Perspective (Greenwood Press, 1994).
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 2.64
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 653504-n
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # ABLIING23Feb2215580090685
Book Description HRD. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. THIS BOOK IS PRINTED ON DEMAND. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L1-9780275965792
Book Description Condition: New. PRINT ON DEMAND Book; New; Fast Shipping from the UK. No. book. Seller Inventory # ria9780275965792_lsuk
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. This item is printed on demand. Seller Inventory # 9780275965792
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 653504-n
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. Hardcover. The unrepresentativeness of the US House of Representatives - in terms of ethnicity, gender, race and socio-economic status - and its nearly closed system for election have generated questions about the legitimacy and authority of the House as an institution which "represents" citizens and whether House membership should mirror directly the diverse population of the nation. This essay collection examines the causes of the unrepresentative character of the House and offers recommendations to make it a more representative deliberative body. The single-member district system is the major causal factor of the unrepresentativeness, and alternative electoral systems - single-transferable vote types of proportional representation, cumulative voting and limited voting - are examined. The alternative electoral systems are multi-member district ones and can be employed only if Congress repeals its requirement that members of the House be elected by single-member districts. Other possible reforms include enlargement of the size of the House, term limits, a new system of election campaign finance, and more effective regulation of campaign contributions and expenditures.The essays provide balanced views on the effects of various reform proposals by including chapters by experts who warn of the possible unintended effects of reforms or argue that the proposed reforms are not needed and stress the need for actions to strengthen deliberations, promote civility, adjust the committee system, reduce the workload of members and promote better public understanding of the House. Examines the causes of the unrepresentative character of the House and looks at reform possibilities. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780275965792
Book Description HRD. Condition: New. New Book. Delivered from our UK warehouse in 4 to 14 business days. THIS BOOK IS PRINTED ON DEMAND. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L1-9780275965792
Book Description Hardback. Condition: New. This item is printed on demand. New copy - Usually dispatched within 5-9 working days. Seller Inventory # C9780275965792
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Brand New. 236 pages. 9.50x6.50x1.00 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # x-0275965791