Understanding American Legislatures

The Need for Interpretive-Qualitative Research

In this book, James M. Curry introduces legislative scholars to the value and importance of interpretive research. Understanding American Legislatures is a must-read contribution to the study of legislatures and our discourse about methods in American politics.

In this passionately argued book, James M. Curry introduces legislative scholars to the value and importance of interpretive research. His field guide for getting started on using an interpretive approach is designed so that the reader can understand a new methodological approach, not just new methods or “tools” within a singular approach.

Weaving in his own story from student to scholar, Curry begins by demystifying the importance and value of interpretive research. He later provides background on what interpretive methodologies are and how they differ from the quantitative and positivist approaches that dominate the field. Focusing primarily on the study of the US Congress and the 50 American state legislatures, Curry employs Richard Fenno’s “soaking and poking” language as a bridge to the language of interpretivism, aiming to show legislative researchers how they can connect between the two and begin to use the richer terms of the latter in place of the former.

Understanding American Legislatures is a must-read contribution to the study of legislatures and our discourse about methods in American politics.

UK Delivery:

• Free delivery on all orders of £10 or more.
• £1.49 delivery fee on orders below £10.
• UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class.

International Delivery:

• Flat rate delivery charges vary by country.

Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK within 48 hours of receipt during working hours.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-5 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

View our full delivery infomation here.