Short takes

摘要

Packed into two volumes, nearly everything you wanted to know about Congress resides here, in sections entitled "Origins and Development of Congress," "Powers of Congress," "Congressional Procedures," "Pressures on Congress," "Housing and Support," "Pay and Prerequisites," "Congress and the Electorate," and "Qualifications and Conduct." Updates in this seventh version include the Congressional impact of President Obama's health-care reform, the Tea Party movement, and super PACs, among other recent developments. Also provided is fascinating detail on the metamorphosis of the actual buildings that house Congress (check out the chapter on the Library of Congress!) Abundant offerings in the appendixes strengthen ready-reference value. VERDICT This is an excellent choice for public and academic libraries alike.