Republican Takeover of Congress

An electoral earthquake hit the American political landscape in 1994. As the Republican Party won control of the House of Representatives for the first time since 1954 and control of the Senate for the first time since 1986, the longest uninterrupted period of single party rule in the entire history of the United States Congress came to an end. The new congressional majorities were the most conservative in 50 years and immediately proceeded to dominate the political agenda in Washington. Scholars from Britain and the United States document these momentous developments, evaluating their impact on America's political institutions and political culture and their significance for the future development of American politics and government.

'For political scientists, the 104th Congress presented a golden opportunity to test old theories, describe new arrangements and chart future prospects. This is the first book to take full advantage of the intellectual challenge. It is, at once, a wide-ranging treatment of congressional policymaking and an enlightening window on the new turn in American politics' - Professor Richard F. Fenno, Distinguished University Professor of Political Science, University of Rochester 'The startling 1994 midterm elections and the ensuing 104th Congress constitute one of the most fascinating episodes in American political history. Dean McSweeney and John Owens have directed a talented team of scholars in documenting the dramatic developments and evaluating their significance for the future of politics and policymaking in America. The Republican Takeover of Congress is an invaluable guide to changes in Congress as an institution, in the direction of public policy, and in the strategies and political fortunes of the political parties and their leaders.' - Thomas E. Mann, Director of Governmental Studies, The Brookings Institution '...a fine collection of essays by seven scholars of American politics.' - Robin Kolodny, Journal of Legislative Studies

NIGEL J. ASHFORD Principal Lecturer in Politics, Staffordshire University ANTHONY J. BADGER Paul Mellon Professor of American History, Cambridge University MICHAEL FOLEY Professor of International Politics, University of Wales at Aberystwyth BYRON E. SHAFER Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Government, Oxford University BARBARA SINCLAIR Marvin Hoffenberg Professor of American Politics, University of California, Los Angeles.