Surviving Inside Congress

by Mark N. Strand, Michael S. Johnson, Jerry Climer

Like previous editions, Surviving Inside Congress is a rich introduction to life on Capitol Hill. The book tells the story of the creation of the U.S. Congress and important events in its evolution, leading to how the institution operates today. Surviving Inside Congress not only explores the essentials of House and Senate legislative procedures, but also takes an in-depth look at Congressional communications, public opinion, and the partisan polarization that has much of the country frustrated with their legislature.

Although the second edition of Surviving Inside Congress was published only two years ago, life on Capitol Hill changes so quickly that another was warranted. This latest version covers a number of events that have occurred from 2011 to 2013: the 2012 Presidential and Congressional elections, changes to ethics rules concerning insider trading, and Senate filibuster reform. Other sections have been significantly expanded, including discussions of parliamentary procedure, management, communications, and political incivility and partisanship.

Surviving Inside Congress is written by three former Congressional staffers whose collective service to the institution totals more than 50 years. Working as an aide to a Member of Congress can be a daunting task. Most new staff members are ill equipped to the meet the diverse and critical needs of elected officials and their constituents. There are no comprehensive training programs, and no curriculum that adequately addresses the multiple roles they will play and functions they will perform. This is due in large measure to the uniqueness of these roles and the environment in which their work will be done. As a result, the academic credentials and professional experience they bring with them will have little relevance to the tasks they are about to undertake. Surviving Inside Congress tries to address these challenges by providing essential and non-partisan educational information to new Congressional staff and filling in some gaps for experienced Hill professionals. It is the first publication of its kind to give staff detailed insight into what is expected and required of those who are the glue that holds the institution of Congress together.

Surviving Inside Congress is widely distributed on Capitol Hill, but is also useful for students studying Congress and interested in working there, and has served as a textbook at major universities. At the same time, it written in a tone the general public will find readable, making it the perfect resource for anyone who would like an insider's view of how Congress really works.

Founded in 1987, the Congressional Institute, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(4) corporation dedicated to helping Congress better serve its constituents and helping their constituents better understand the operations of the national legislature.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Hannah Nachef · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a must-read if you are planning on working on Capitol Hill (and I say this as someone currently working on the Hill). It gives a clear picture of the inner-workings of both houses, the differences, the legislative process (and its relevant actors), and the evolution of political vision in the legislative branch (granted, the book was last updated before 2016. I am curious to see how the narrative changes in light of the last election.) I do think the book is a little long, and if you have a background in business and strategic planning, there are some chapters you can skip. But overall, I learned a lot and enjoyed the read.

[Michael Woodmansee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting overview of the inner workings of Congress for the uninitiated. Great references to material from the Congressional Institute.

[Michael Broomfield]

Not by the poet

[Aldric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough primer to the world of Capitol Hill and introduction to working as a staffer. You could skip the parts about congressional history, but where's the fun in that? I think it tied everything together nicely and provided a compelling 'why' to the work, with a focus on currently relevant players and issues. More pertinent to DC staff than district staff, but I appreciate the way this guide frames our work, collectively as congressional staff, in context.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes this was tedious, but it is probably the most informative book out there for people interested in working as staff on the hill. I learned a few things and other ideas I had were confirmed or clarified. I am glad I read it and will use it as a reference.

[Roberto Haddad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, gives a good overview of the congressional process. As an incoming legislative assistant without any prior legislative work, this book was absolutely essential to understanding the process and helping me understand my job.

[Sue Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. Learning how Congress is supposed to work.