A More Perfect Congress

I watched the first two seasons of House of Cards while teaching courses on the development of Congress and the history of political parties in America. As I watched, I could not help but be skeptical of the way the political process was portrayed: Frank Underwood is a one-man show, a member of Congress who can move the entire assembly through his artful deal-making and threats.

My response: “If only!” We might actually have a better political process if mythological creatures like Frank Underwood existed. At least Congress would move; as it is now, there is a dearth of leadership in our legislative branch and, consequently, we have gridlock and inaction.