The Imprint of Congress

David R. Mayhew, Sterling Professor Emeritus of Political Science

(Yale University Press)

In “The Imprint of Congress,” congressional scholar David R. Mayhew gives a historical analysis of the U.S. Congress’s performance from the late 18th century to today, exploring what its lasting imprint has been on American politics and society. Mayhew suggests that Congress has balanced the presidency in a surprising variety of ways, and in doing so, it has contributed to the legitimacy of a governing system faced by an often fractious public.