legislative process IS NOT effective

• The process is challenging, and the congressional session so short that the chance of passing legislation is limited 


  Lots of places where a bill goes to die, has to agree in both houses, lengthy - 7 stages
• Power is placed in the hands of the few especially the speaker of the House and the Senate majority leader


  Can refuse to have legislation even introduced with no checks
• Tyranny of the majority

  Supermajorities

  One senator can hold up a bill
• Types of government

  United governments can reduce scrutiny -> Bush able to create Department of Homeland Security

  Divided governments can cause gridlock and a total lack of legislation - -> increasing since 1990
• President alone can prevent a bill being passed

  His veto is unlikely to be overturned
• Presidentially supported bills are expected to pass

  Like Obamacare
• Pork barrel politics has not been eliminated

  Inclusion of spending additions to bills which benefit a member of Congress’ district to win favour and gain popularity
• Parties have little discipline -> don’t vote according the party line
• Senate can filibuster