The central place of Congress in the American political tradition, the decline of its power and prestige during the 20th century, and the possibilities of restoring its influence constitute the themes of this brilliant book. Part I of Congress and the American Tradition provides a classic exposition of the original principles of American government. Part II is a reasoned, dispassionate assessment of the present position of Congress. Part III is a realistic evaluation of the future of Congress. Steering a middle road between wishful thinking and prophecies of doom, Burnham presents his subject with clear-eyed calmness. The choice of liberty, made for us at the nation's beginning by the Founding Fathers, is now up for review. Refusing to harangue or cajole, he leaves us free to choose as we wish.