The Evolving U.S. Congress: From 'Culture of Legislating' to 'Culture of Campaigning'

In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, we speak with Congressional Fellow Donald Wolfensberger about his latest book, “Changing Cultures in Congress: From Fair Play to Power Plays.” He explains the institutional dynamics behind the House of Representative’s transformation from an institution primarily focused on legislation and governance to one plagued by a culture of perpetual campaigning.

In this edition of Wilson Center NOW, we speak with Congressional Fellow Donald Wolfensberger about his latest book, “Changing Cultures in Congress: From Fair Play to Power Plays.” He explains the institutional dynamics behind the House of Representative’s transformation from an institution primarily focused on legislation and governance to one plagued by a culture of perpetual campaigning. He also offers thoughts on how the culture can change again and offers thoughts on how the body can regain lost effectiveness and a sense of bipartisanship.

Book available here: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/book/changing-cultures-congress-fair-play-to-power-plays