Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Advocates of states rights often argue the states are more democratic and better suited to produce programs, policies, and laws because state government are closer to the people, and consequently, state citizens can have greater influence on government at the state level. _x000d_Along the lines of the argument that state governments better represent citizens, this study proposes to determine if state capitol buildings reflect the demographics of a state’s citizens. If the state capitol is “the people’s building”, do the people see symbolic representations of themselves when they visit their building? The researcher will present the finding of a case study of four southern state capitol buildings to determine to what degree they are representative. The common areas and grounds of each state capitol will be analyzed by examining permanent and temporary exhibits, art, and artifacts. Also, the researcher study will analyze state decision making processes that determine what is displayed in the capitol building and on the grounds._x000d_Finally, the study applies a broad definition of descriptive representation that will include race, gender, class, age, ability, religion, sexual orientation, ideology, industry, recreation, and geography.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: In this paper, we trace the impact of security threats on the project development and management of the Capitol Visitors Center that is currently under construction. Drawing from the theoretical lenses of the advocacy coalition framework (Sabatier and Jenkins-Smith 1993, 1999) as well as the literature on public choice and government contracting (Boyne 1998; Greve 2001), we examine the evolution of the policy debate surrounding the Capitol Visitors Center and the subsequent debate over management of the massive project. Utilizing a qualitative methodology and drawing from over 75 elite interviews, we find that the evolving security demands and the escalating costs associated with construction have been central to the political debate surrounding the construction of the CVC. It has been difficult for Congress to provide the necessary oversight in part because of the amorphous parameters of the project and in part because of the contracted-out management. The Capitol Visitors Center is a physical representation of the collective action problems central to the character of the institution. While not much research has focused on the Capitol Visitors Center, it will be a critical feature of the Congress of tomorrow � serving as the first taste of congressional life for generations of visitors to the nation�s Capitol. For this reason, it warrants our attention both for what it tells us by way of theory development and for what it tells America about Congress.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Various scholars and journalists argue that the Republican control of Congress has made lobbying more partisan, in marked contrast to past practices. This paper asks, "Is this so? And if so, with what implications?"

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: We test for realignment effects in elections for the House and President, going back as far as 1828. Our analysis employs a new data and highly accurate source on House elections: Rusk?s 2001 Statistical History of the American Electorate.

Publication Type: Invited Paper
Abstract: Felicia Bell
Ph. D. Candidate
Department of History
Howard University
Presenter
feliciabell@yahoo.com


The United States Capitol symbolizes the center of the American ideals of freedom and opportunity. Not only is it the seat of representative government, it is where �democracy� (in so far as America is concerned) lives. Yet in all its neoclassic architectural splendor, impressive artwork, and intriguing history, one key component is conspicuously missing from the vast body of historical literature on the Capitol�the role of people of African descent in its construction.
Today, the Capitol stands, ironically, as a reminder that freedom and democracy in America was predicated on the enslavement of Africans. Information about people of African descent who contributed to the development of this nation, particularly the enslaved Africans who constructed the Capitol, is seldom a subject of discussion on guided tours of the Capitol nor are they seen in much of the artwork on its walls or honored in the literature related to the Capitol. This presentation will feature original documents, paintings, and photographs to explore a significant part of the Capitol�s unique and fascinating history.