Skocpol says she understands why some of her colleagues criticize the effectiveness of the council.
"I think the Faculty Council is seen as not exactly the most straightforward way to bring up issues," Skocpol said.
Kenan Professor of Government Harvey C. Mansfield Jr. '53, in particular, questions the impact of an administrative body that almost always votes unanimously.
"It is surprising to find an institution of the faculty that always votes 17 to nothing at a university that prides itself on its diversity," Mansfield says.
But unanimous votes do not necessarily imply unanimity, says Feldman, who is a current council member.
"That doesn't mean they've rubber-stamped it," he says.
Despite the fact that few faculty want to serve on the council, Shepsle says he believes most faculty are satisfied with the Faculty Council's performance.
"I think most faculty are comfortable with the current structure," he says. "But comfortable does not mean the system is optimal.