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On this edition of Parallax Views, political scientist Maya Kornberg joins the show to discuss her new book on why Congress seems increasingly unable to function as an effective, representative, and co-equal branch of government. Drawing on deep research into three pivotal waves of congressional reform—the post-Watergate class of 1974, the Republican Revolution of 1994, and the diverse, media-savvy newcomers of 2018—Kornberg argues that today’s legislative dysfunction is not simply the result of partisan gridlock, but the product of deeper structural forces reshaping American democracy.

In this wide-ranging and enlightening conversation, we explore how money, media, and political violence have transformed the incentives facing members of Congress. From the relentless pressure to fundraise, to the rise of social media as a source of political power, to the chilling effects of threats and intimidation, Kornberg paints a sobering picture of an institution struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing political environment.

We also delve into the historical cycles of reform and institutional change, asking whether today’s Congress is fundamentally different from past eras of crisis. Why were earlier reformers able to reshape the institution, while modern efforts seem to falter? Has Congress ceded too much power to the presidency? And what would it take to restore the legislative branch as a meaningful check in the American system?

Despite the challenges, Kornberg offers thoughtful and pragmatic ideas for reform, from strengthening congressional capacity to rethinking the internal structures that govern how lawmakers operate. Throughout the discussion, she provides valuable insight into not just what is broken in Congress, but why it has proven so difficult to fix.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in American politics, democratic institutions, and the future of governance in an era of polarization and uncertainty.