Two Ring Circus

Episode 11. Until Death Do Us Part

Disapproval, Dysfunction, and Congressional Decline: In this final episode, we consider the health of American democracy and ponder the future of Congress and the American experiment. We highlight Congress's worst problems and examine various proposals to reform this key institution.

Episode 10. Battle Royale

Congress versus The Supreme Court: In this episode, we look at the the tug-of-war between Congress and SCOTUS, examining how the power of the Supreme Court has been used to limit Congressional authority and analyzing the ways that important Supreme Court rulings have impacted Congressional elections, the makeup of Congress, and the present day conflicts within the institution.

Episode 9. Washington's Nightmare

Parties and Partisanship in Congress: In this episode, we look at the evolution of parties in America, the internal battle among party leaders and opposing factions, and the impact of parties and partisan battles on the operation of Congress.

Episode 8. I'm Just a Bill

How a Bill Really Becomes a Law (But Usually Doesn’t): In this episode, we look at what it takes for a major piece of legislation to get across the finish line and examine some bills that have and haven't made it.

Episode 7. Boring But Important, Part 2

The Budget Process: This episode describes the way the federal budget is written and examines how that process has evolved over the past half century as a result of conflicts, crises, and reform efforts