How Washington Works

Facts/Details:

1. Many people are under the impression that Washington is disconnected from the country. (90)
2. "Potomac Fever": the incurable addiction of wielding political power or feeling at the political center. (91)
3. You can't be a major player in budget politics unless you know the difference between constant dollars and current dollars, outlays and obligations, and the baseline and the out years. (92)
4. Hendrick Smith believes most people come to Washington largely motivated by a sense of public service. (94)
5. "It's a city of people who are more interested in being petted and admired than in rendering the exercise of power." (Richardson) (95)
6. Things in Washington happen very fast and the political atmosphere and mood change abrubtly. (96)
7. "It's a one-subject town".  Only politics is discussed. (96)
8. Few politicians will admit how much they crave public recognition. (97)
9. Newt Gingrich said "there are very few games as fun as being a Congressman" (97)
10. Politicians naturally band together in power networks. (97)

Questions:

1. Is Washington too much abut public recognition?
2. What is the difference between constant dollars and current dollars?
3. What is Gingrich referring to when he compares being a Congressman to a game?
4. Is it good or bad that Washington is a one-subject town?
5. Are the people who do not crave public recognition getting the most done, and not receiving credit for it?