Description
An introductory chapter explains that like other editions of this reference, which has been published for more than 40 years, this 12th edition surveys a four-year administration--G.W. Bush's second term in office; but it necessarily makes reference to Bush's first term in office as well. Here is abundant information, expertly condensed, clearly presented, with plenty of aids to research. Leading off, two chronologies for each of the four years under consideration summarize activities of the legislature and events in the political arena. Following are the more focused, detailed chapters dealing with economic policy, homeland security, energy and environment, agriculture, and education, among other themes--each chapter offering an overview introduction and then year-by-year chronologies. For example, in the chapter on law and justice, readers will find entries pertaining to border security, immigration, gun liability, identity theft, gay marriage, and human trafficking, among other topics. The appendices include key votes, congressional membership, presidential vetoes, and selected texts from important speeches. The contents are indexed in multiple ways. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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The signature resource for perspective and analysis on the U.S. CongressChronicling the highly partisan, yet dynamic legislative environment during the second term of President George W. Bush, Congress and the Nation XII is the most authoritative reference on congressional trends, actions, and political and policy controversies. The newest edition in this award-winning series documents the most fiercely debated issues in recent American politics, providing a unique retrospective analysis of the policies the U.S. Congress crafted during the tumultuous final years of the Bush presidency. Congress and the Nation XII offers thorough coverage of congressional activity in response to: The financial meltdown, as the housing bubble burst and financial institutions faltered, resulting in a $700 billion bailout package and a major overhaul of the regulation of home-mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac The devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina and the slow FEMA response The Iraq War and unsuccessful attempts to force the president to set a deadline for withdrawal The renewal of the U.S. Patriot Act and public disclosure of illegal wiretapping of American citizens The controversy over enemy combatants’ rights and the torture of detainees The contentious nominations of the first new high-court justices since 1994, including Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., and Samuel Alito The book also captures the politics and policy implications of the Bush presidency as well as the causes and effects of the partisan turnover in Congress after 2006. Organized by policy area, each chapter contains summaries of legislative activity, including bills passed, defeated, or postponed. ?No other authoritative source guides readers seamlessly through the policy output of the national legislature with the breadth, depth, and authority of Congress and the Nation.Key Features: Details congressional activity by policy area during Bush’s second term Covers highly controversial legislation and struggles within Congress over whether to launch oversight investigations of executive branch activities Includes a unique essay on the origins, development, and policy response to the 2008 financial crisis
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