Congress's Constitution

“A detailed, scholarly history . . . tracing the roots of Congress’s modern powers back to their English origins.”—Adam White, Wall Street Journal

“An important book, and one that seems particularly timely.”—Jonathan Adler, The Volokh Conspiracy

“[A] particularly prescient study of congressional powers, challenging the conventional wisdom that describes the modern Congress as weak or ineffective.”—M. A. Mueller, Choice

“Chafetz’s compelling new book, in combination with the presidency of Donald Trump, bids us to consider Congress’s roles and contributions in a new light.”—Daniel Stid, Washington Monthly

“A thoughtful, insightful, and welcome analysis.”—Louis Fisher, Federal Lawyer

“The book reminds us that Congress is far from impotent in the face of encroachment, but its real value may lie in providing a deeply historical account of Congress within this framework of inter-branch rivalry.”—Ian Ostrander, Congress & the Presidency

"An impressive and important book. It provides perhaps the most authoritative account to date of how the constitutional powers of the legislative branch developed—as well as the effective and ineffective use of those powers, their contemporary constitutional status, and the most significant interpretive questions that remain open for constitutional debate."—Anita S. Krishnakumar, Yale Law Journal

"Congress's Constitution is a commanding exposition of Congress's powers vis-à-vis the other branches of the federal government. It is an important read for scholars of administrative law, legislation, and the separation of powers, and it should be required reading for new congressional staffers and federal agency legislative affairs personnel."—Christoper J. Walker, Michigan Law Review

“An impressive accomplishment . . . demonstrating the ways in which Congress can still be relevant.”—Michael Gerhardt, Political Science Quarterly
 

“Chafetz is adept at covering decades, even centuries, of institutional ground in a narrow compass of pages. Few readers will finish the book without profiting from his synoptic vision and detailed knowledge of legislative and constitutional history.”—Aziz Z. Huq, Columbia Law Review

“A distinguished and authoritative work in the field of U.S. constitutional law as well as in the cross-cutting field of congressional studies.”—David Mayhew, Sterling Professor of Political Science Emeritus, Yale University

"No institution embodies the dysfunction of modern American politics more than Congress. Josh Chafetz's pathbreaking book shows that Congress nonetheless has more powers and more opportunities to govern effectively than most scholars or political leaders realize. A major contribution to legal studies, political science, and, most importantly, American governance."—Rogers M. Smith, Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania

"While many bemoan the inevitability of an imperial presidency, Chafetz expands our constitutional imaginary, demonstrating the many routes through which Congress's relations with the executive branch, the public, and its own members undergird a responsible and vibrant politics. This is an outstanding new contribution to an important field."—Mariah Zeisberg , University of Michigan

"At a time when it is fashionable to dismiss Congress and the entire system of separated powers as broken, Josh Chafetz offers a brilliant reconstruction and defense of both. Rich in historical detail and institutional insight, Congress's Constitution is required reading for anyone interested in how the legislative branch shapes the constitutional order even when it is not legislating."—David Pozen, Professor of Law, Columbia Law School