The Politics of Minor Concerns : American Indian Policy and Congressional Dynamics

The Politics of Minor Concerns lies at the intersection of scholarship on congressional behavior and studies of America Indian politics. The text argues that the conventional wisdom in each of these fields offers inadequate explanations for congressional action on American Indian legislation. This book challenges assumptions of bipartisanship and reelection concern by demonstrating that the pattern of congressional legislation in Indian policy has been influenced by party politics and that legislators treat this policy arena as a "minor concern" most of the time. This work will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone interested in American Indians, Congress, political minorities, or public policy.