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Legislative Process Flowchart, from the Congressional Deskbook, § 6.01

The Legislative Process Flowchart is from § 6.01, Legislative Process Flowchart, in Congressional Deskbook, Copyright © by TheCapitol.Net. See LegislativeProcessFlowchart.com This Legislative Process Flowchart is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution—NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available: www.thecapitol.net, 202-678-1600. TCNLPF.comLegislativeProcessFlowchart.com Related PostsCongress, the Legislative Process, and the Fundamentals … Read more

The 7 Types of Congressional Hearings

If you have been called to testify before a Congressional hearing or think that you might be called to do so in the future, it can be helpful to have a basic understanding of the various types of Congressional hearings and their purposes. photo credit: Tarter Time Photography The main purpose of any Congressional hearing … Read more

Tips for Responding to Congressional Committee Questions when Testifying

It is natural to experience some nervousness when you are called to testify before Congress. Understanding the best way to respond to committee questions when testifying can help alleviate some of your nervousness and also help you to prepare to deliver your testimony effectively. photo credit: familymwr When preparing to answer questions, it is important … Read more

Necessary and Proper Clause – Article I Section 8, Clause 18 of the Constitution

The United States Constitution The Necessary and Proper Clause is one of Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clause 18: (Clause 18 – Necessary and Proper clause) [The Congress shall have Power] To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution … Read more

Enclave Clause – Article I Section 8, Clause 17 of the Constitution

The United States Constitution The Enclave Clause is one of Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clause 17: (Clause 17 – Enclave clause) [The Congress shall have Power] To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, … Read more

The Militia Clauses – Article I Section 8, Clauses 15 and 16 of the Constitution

The United States Constitution The Militia Clauses are among Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clauses 15 and 16: (Clause 15 – The Militia) [The Congress shall have Power] To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and … Read more

Tracking the Priorities of Congressional Leaders

Leadership in Congress is particularly important as whichever party has the majority garners the responsibility of choosing committee chairs, setting agendas and scheduling legislation for consideration. Understanding the congressional leadership’s priorities helps you understand future legislation. There are many ways in which you can determine those priorities. photo credit: Mrs. Gemstone There are critical times … Read more

Being a Legislative Drafter

There is often a misconception that drafting legislation is merely about writing, when the truth of the matter is that drafting legislation more accurately and frequently involves identifying, presenting and then resolving issues. Those issues could be related to policy or they might involve a technicality. Therefore, the most critical part of the legislative drafter’s … Read more