Today's Legislative Process
The instructor briefly reviews how a bill becomes a law by tracking legislation from introduction and referral to committee, through committee hearings and markups, floor consideration, to final passage and presidential action.

Politics and Leadership in the Current Congress
The instructor examines the formal and informal leadership structures in the House and Senate, as well as the politics and personalities of the major players in Congress. He focuses on key leadership players and committee assignments and comments on the current Congress in terms of leadership and issues.

Policy Making in Washington
Policy development and decision making in Congress are influenced by many forces. Learn how this occurs in macro and micro settings. Discussion includes the role of the electorate and political parties, as well as Congress' interactions with the White House, executive agencies, the media, and other political players. The instructor assesses what these factors mean for policy making in Congress.

Congressional Hearing Information and Instructions for Day Two

Lunch -- Discussion: Congressional Hearings and Testimony
The instructor leads a discussion on the dynamics and environment of congressional hearings, drawing on class discussion and questions. He focuses on the essential elements of an effective and successful hearing and effective congressional testimony-from the perspectives of both the committee and the witness.

Communicating Effectively with Congress
This session provides an overview of the current political environment on Capitol Hill and the role of lobbying in today's legislative process. Discussion focuses on how outside interests, including executive agencies, can educate and communicate effectively with members of Congress and staff to build positive working relationships. The instructor provides practical suggestions for interacting with members of Congress, as well as important "do's" and "don'ts" of communicating with Congress.

Presidential-Congressional Relations
The instructor examines how acts by the U.S. Congress have helped create the institutional presidency, and shifted the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. He discusses the implications for the working relationship between the current Congress and the White House.

The Role of the Executive Branch in the Legislative Process
The instructor examines the role of the executive branch in the legislative process from initial proposal, to draft legislation, through congressional consideration, to signing ceremony in the Rose Garden. Discussion includes the important role of the Office of Management and Budget in the formulation and approval of legislation and the president's official policy program.

A Former Member's Perspective on Politics and Policy
A former Member of Congress comments on the many pressures and responsibilities that a member must balance in day-to-day decision and policymaking. Discussion includes how members advance their legislative and political agenda; manage their offices; handle fund raising and press operations; get reelected; and more.

Tour and Viewing of Floor Action in House and Senate

Campaign and Election Trends and Their Impact
The instructor takes an insightful look at trends in how campaigns, political communication and elections are conducted in the United States, citing examples from the most recent campaigns. He reviews the current political landscape of the U.S. and interprets what it means for future elections.

How the Media Covers the Big Beats: The White House, Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, and National Security
An experienced reporter discusses who comprises the Washington press corps, and how they cover the big beats in DC. Questions addressed include: how forthcoming are these institutions with information, what role does the media play in shaping policy debate in these institutions, and what role does the media play in elections, campaigns, and a "war" environment.

The Work of Personal and Committee Staff
A panel of congressional staff members discusses the work environment on the Hill including the positions and responsibilities of committee and personal staff, and the organization of congressional offices. They focus on what staffers need and expect from outside interests, and how these interests can build strong working relationships with staffers and the Hill. They also reveals insights into the dynamics and agendas of their offices.