Surviving Inside Congress

by Mark N. Strand, Michael S. Johnson, Jerome F. Climer

Want to work for Congress or just understand it better? Learn the ins-and-outs of how Congress really works.

The fifth edition of Surviving Inside Congress includes all you need to know to succeed as a
congressional staffer or stay informed as a private citizen. Understanding how Congress
really works—or doesn’t, as the case may be—is the difference between being a valuable
contributor to the nation’s work and being an outsider who never really knows what is going on.

Surviving Inside Congress has been revised and expanded to reflect important developments
during the 114th and 115th Congresses. Updates include:

A new chapter on the President’s role in the legislative process

New research on social media best practices

How and why Congress is dysfunctional—and how it can be reformed

And a floor procedures manual and congressional glossary for the 115th Congress.

629 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.