ABSTRACT
In the contemporary era, with Congress’ public approval at about 10 percent, the lowest of all national institutions, it is tempting to conclude that Congress’ fall from grace is a recent phenomenon. Looking back for some golden age of congressional approval remains elusive. In fact, since the beginning of the republic, Congress has been the butt of jokes and derision. Some of the most abiding vehicles for making fun of Congress are cartoons. Since the earliest days, Congress and its members have stood out as fodder for cartoonists’ pens. A number of reasons stand out for the appeal of Congress. Taking on Congress as a whole fi ts with the biases against it as an institution and results in few repercussions. Congress lacks a coherent collective voice to object to even the most outrageous charges. Furthermore, the inherent nature of Congress invites derision when related to appealing but unrealistic standards such as effi ciency and rational compromise. Congress is fi lled with fallible human beings who carry out much of their personal and offi cial life in public. Duplicity, illegality, immorality, and stupidity all make news and the raw material for humor. Politics resembles kids on the ball fi eld choosing up teams with the most interested shouting “pick me, pick me.” Their very eagerness to be appreciated invites extra scrutiny. Each shortcoming invites derision among those not picked fi rst. The partisan nature of contemporary politics creates two teams, each seeing value in tearing down those on the other team.
