ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies Congress's failings and focuses on the root causes. It reviews some of the key ways Congress has adjusted to stay relevant and enable the nation to address new challenges. Through much of the 20th century the major issues of the day found both parties on both sides; in the 21st century people are seeing the parties taking opposing positions on energy policy, health, taxes, the size of government, and controversial social issues. One of the Congress's immutable traits is its parochialism. This is a way of saying that members of Congress look after their own. Congress is unable to plan. The very cumbersomeness of the legislative process makes planning by Congress problematic. Congress has at times openly acknowledged its shortcomings, sometimes by showing a willingness to find a way to compensate for its natural weaknesses.
