An insider account of how Congress works, this book contains insightful first person reminisces, from former congressional fellows and staffers, about the ins and outs and dos and don'ts of everyday life on Capitol Hill. Each reader-friendly essay focuses on one or more aspects of congressional controversy experienced by the writer, and places the “story” in the broader historical and conceptual framework necessary for understanding how Congress and its members function. These detailed case studies offer a dynamic view of Congress and show how members of Congress balance the demands of constituents, lobbyists, congressional leaders, protesters, and their own consciences when making national policy. Coverage of a wide variety of congressional processes discusses private constituent meetings, speeches, committee hearings and markups, leadership strategy sessions, and the complex web of rules that govern legislative procedures on the floor of the House and the Senate. For anyone interested in national politics, insights from key players in the political system, and a cutting edge perspective of Congress.