- Collection:
- Atlanta University and Clark Atlanta University Theses and Dissertations
- Title:
- Ways and means of improving minority influence on public policy: the politics of enacting laws in the United States Congress that work to the advantage of black and poor people, 1981
- Creator:
- Finley, D'Linell
- Date of Original:
- 1981-06-01
- Subject:
- Degrees, Academic
Dissertations, Academic - Location:
- United States, Georgia, Fulton County, Atlanta, 33.749, -84.38798
- Medium:
- theses
dissertations - Type:
- Text
- Format:
- application/pdf
- Description:
- Although the American electoral system allows for widespread participation and representation, it is still dysfunctional for many citizens who do not share in the regards of the system. This revelation appears contradictory since the electoral system allows a significant portion of its members to be elected from local districts who in turn bring the localized concerns to the national assembly called the United States Congress. The problem to be resolved is: What is the most effective way to advance programs that would allow a greater number of American citizens to participate in the rewards of the system? To resolve the problem as outlined by this research, attention is focused on the United States House of Representatives where discussion centers on two prevailing views on the most effective way to pass legislation that would promote social change. Those views have been refined into two controversial concepts called congressional reform and traditionalism. The history of reform in the House of Representatives is reviewed in order to understand the development and eventual criticisms of some of the procedures that have become traditions. The popular Image of Congress as rural, southern and with a conservative bias Is reassessed In light of recent election trends starting In the mld-1960's. Political trends such as safe congressional districts versus frequent election turnovers in urban areas are discussed to determine their role in generating opposition to traditional procedures by advocates of reform. In order to determine whether reform or traditionalism is the most appropriate strategy for advancing social change, several alternatives to traditional procedures are analyzed. Specific legislative developments focusing on the status of liberals are highlighted to decide whether reform or traditional procedures contributed most to the advancement of certain liberal oriented programs. Several indicators are studied to decide if the status of liberals allowed them some degree of success in using procedures, once opposed because of their obstruction to legislative initiatives aimed at promoting social change. Several House committees along with their roles are discussed in order to understand how those committees have been instrumental in advancing liberal oriented legislation. Emphasis is placed on the role of specialization in legislative achievement. Attention is given to traditionalism as reflected by seniority and its accompanying privileges since they have had the greatest inpact on Congressmen�s influence and legislative output. Finally, this research concludes that the electoral system in and of itself has not been a failure. However, there has been a failure on the part of those forces desiring social change to effectively use the electoral structure to push their programs. Advocates of social change have been quick to accuse the structure for failing to advance legislation that would allow a greater number of American citizens to participate in the rewards of the system. Therefore, they have often supported altering the rules and procedures in favor of new arrangements believed more conducive to passing their legislation. Unfortunately, the alteration or attempted alteration of rules and procedures has proceeded without a full understanding of the procedures to be changed or what the new procedures should look like or whether they will work.
Date of award: 6/1/1981
Degree name: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Granting institution: Atlanta University
Department: Department of Political Science
Advisor: Crook, Milton - Metadata URL:
- http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12322/cau.td:1981_finley_dlinell
- Holding Institution:
- Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library
- Rights:
-
