Defending Congress and the Constitution (Studies in Government and Public Policy)
"Fisher argues that Congress should neither 'genuflect' nor engage in 'idolatry' toward the other branches, closely analyzing areas such as judicial review, federalism, religious freedom, individual rights, war powers, and where he provides an especially good critique, the federal budgeting process. He covers less studied topics as well, notably the role of expert congressional staff, an area he knows firsthand."--Library Journal"Fisher's book is valuable not only for the Congress-oriented perspective it brings to constitutional history, but also because it helps identify research paths that others can profitably pursue."--Review of Politics"Fisher pulls no punches, rninces no words, and spares no criticism of the courts and the presidency. His disdain for presidential overreach is nonpartisan. . . .Defending Congress and the Constitutiondescribes how a mix of judicial and nonjudicial forces by all three branches have shaped the Constitution. Although not denying the Court's right and duty to interpret the Constitution, Fisher does not accept it as the final and exclusive interpreter. . . . Closely reasoned and passionately argued, this book belongs on the shelves of every member ofCongress."—Federal Lawyer