This ambitious volume analyzes the origins and impact of the current legislative role in policy implementation. The author traces the historical decline of legislative control of policy formulation, beginning with the early period of nearly exclusive legislative control, through periods of the clear legislative dominance, and finally to the present period of the administrative state. He also explores incompatible views regarding the policy effect of a stronger legislative role in implementation and examines the assumptions underlying these positions. In addition, the volume includes personal interviews with officials in five states covering the topic of legislative committee review of formal agency regulations. The final part of the work considers the implications of legislative participation in implementation for larger questions regarding American politics.