Congress Games and Strategies fourth edition is an uptodate look at the 21st century Congress from the perspective of a professional political scientist and congressional staff member turned academic. As such it provides both academic and realworld insights into the unique and often impenetrable world of our national legislature. Using the most recent academic literature as well as quotes from current members of Congress it seeks to explore the overlap between theory and reality. The book uses a game analogy as an organizing theme and as a toolbox recognizing that much of Congress activity is understood by analyzing the players the rules under which they work the strategies they employ and the pattern of winning and losing that result. Updated through the 2008 election the book includes a host of features intended to enhance comprehension including boxes that allow students to hear what congressmen and congresswomen themselves say about the institution.