Republicans and Democrats alike have complained about the speed with which the recent tax bills are going through Congress. In light of this, we’re bringing you an archive episode with Professor James Curry who explains that lacking expertise, staff, and time, most members of Congress rarely get to analyze or contribute to the bills on which they vote.

For More on this Topic:

• Read Curry’s two-page brief or his book, Legislating in the Dark
• Check out Professor Frances Lee, mentioned in the episode, and her books on partisanship and competition in Congress.

Further Reading:

• Who are the Most Effective Legislators in Congress?, Craig Volden, University of Virginia, Alan E. Wiseman, Vanderbilt University
• Why U.S. Conservatives Shape Legislation across the Fifty States Much More Effectively than Liberals, Alexander Hertel-Fernandez, Columbia University, Theda Skocpol, Harvard University