Fixing Congress: Restoring Power to the People

A preponderance of evidence indicates the public is very unhappy with the US Congress. Fixing Congress is a behind-the-scenes look at how Congress really functions and why it doesn’t.  

This powerful resource educates and empowers engaged citizens who want to participate more fully in the process of self-government and regain more control over it.

Beginning with a closer look at members of Congress and their staff, as well as the structure, procedures, and culture, this groundwork gives citizens a greater understanding of Congress and the tools they need to make it better. It recounts the history of the institution, the intent of the Founding Fathers and the historical currents that have driven the country to its state of gridlocked government and suffocating polarization.

With the context set, Fixing Congress delves into special interest clout, questionable campaign financing, campaign abuses, partisan congressional district maps, ideological and partisan extremism, the role of parties, the overwhelming influence of the media, and the multitude of forces that make the average voter feel like a tiny cog in the gigantic wheel of governance.

This prolific resource provides numerous solutions that citizens can advocate in their communities and with their members of Congress. The final chapters propose reforms, strategies, and tactics to restore Congress to its intended purpose as a representative body. These proposals include redefining the distinctions between the Senate and House, reducing the size of congressional districts, limiting outside campaign financing, and urging the media to report objectively and with balance.

Is it possible to make Congress more productive, more accessible, and more answerable to the people? Yes. Fixing Congress is an essential part of the solution.

Michael S. Johnson has spent 47 years serving in the White House, Congress, private sector media relations and advocacy, as well as a number of nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the work of the Legislative and Executive branches. Prior to that, he spent seven years in print journalism. He has co-authored a book, Surviving Inside Congress, published by the Congressional Institute, now in its fifth edition. He has written occasional columns for the website NewGOPForum.com and written numerous articles and letters for the Hill Newspaper, Roll Call, the Washington Post, the Washington Times, Washington Monthly, Fulcrum, Ripon Society Magazine, National Journal, Congressional Quarterly, and several other publications, as well as appeared on podcasts for numerous organizations. Mike currently resides in Alexandria, VA.  

Jerome F. Climer graduated from The University of Arkansas with a degree in public administration, one of the first awarded. He interrupted his master’s degree work to join the staff of an Arkansas congressman for what he intended to be a two-year experience. 40 years later, he left Capitol Hill, having served other members of Congress, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, five years on the House Minority Leadership staff, and 20 as President of the Congressional Institute. This experience enabled him to master the intricacies of the House and Senate and develop a perspective about the historic intent of the institution against present-day realities. Most of his writing was anonymous, for members of Congress, and published as their work, or on behalf of The Congressional Institute. He co-authored Surviving Inside Congress, of which there are now five editions. The book has been distributed to both party’s House and the Senate staff and utilized by several academic institutions for college-level study. Jerry lives in Edenton, NC.