The Congressional Oversight Panel oversees the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) to ensure government funds are used wisely. The panel reports to Congress every 30 days and consists of five members chosen by House and Senate leaders. TARP was created to rescue banks facing bankruptcy, and the oversight panel provides transparency and accountability for public […]
Congressional vote records are public information and easily accessible online. The House and Senate websites provide complete voting records, including revisions and attendance. THOMAS, maintained by the Library of Congress, is another resource for searching House and Senate records. Following congressional votes can reveal legislative trends and help research political candidates. Getting information about votes […]
The US legislative branch has two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. States divide themselves into congressional districts based on population, with each district electing a representative every two years. States can redraw their districts, but must ensure equal representation and avoid dividing influential voters. The legislative branch of the United States consists […]
Congressional elections, held every two years, determine who serves in the legislative branch of the US government. The Congress consists of two houses, each with its own electoral procedure. Members of the House of Representatives hold office for two years, while Senators serve six-year terms. Before the 17th amendment, Senators were chosen by state legislatures, […]
The US Congress creates laws through the voting process. Bills are introduced by Senators and Representatives, studied by committees, and then placed on the congressional vote schedule. Voting methods include voice voting, split voting, and roll call voting. Both houses must pass legislation in the same form before the president can sign it into law. […]
Congress staff are divided into five categories: personal, committee, executive, institutional, and support agency staff. Personal staff manage the congressional office of a member of Congress, while committee staff assist with the workload of committees. Institutional staff keep Congress running and support agency staff work for nonpartisan congressional agencies. There were about 24,000 congressional staff […]
Becoming a congressional advisor requires commitment, dedication, and political experience. Student government, volunteering, and internships can provide valuable experience and contacts. A college degree is required, and the workload is high and stressful. Developing skills early on and aligning with a supportive politician can increase chances of success. Becoming a Congressional Advisor takes commitment and […]
Congressional aides assist members of Congress with various tasks, from paperwork to policy initiatives. Internships are a common path to becoming an aide. Duties include answering constituents’ questions, research, and scheduling. Advisors may have more specific tasks, such as press relations or legislative negotiations. A congressional aide assists a member of the United States Congress […]
