#45: CIVICS 101: The Legislative Branch
Q&A #45: Are there opportunities to work as a volunteer, intern, or fellow?
Our American Government
Our American Government is a small book published by the House of Representatives for citizens and those who seek a greater understanding of the American interpretation of democracy. It follows a question-and-answer format and covers a broad range of topics dealing with the three branches of our Government, the electoral process, and the role of political parties.
The Savvy Citizen is reproducing the 169 questions-and-answers through a series of posts called Civics 101. Each post will contain the Q&A as well as some additional commentary to add historical context, fun facts, or anything we believe will add to our collective understanding of these topics.
Think of it as your adult Civics class but without the test!
Let’s keep at it.
SECTION: The Legislative Branch: The Congress
Members, Offices, and Staff
Q&A #45: Are there opportunities to work as a volunteer, intern, or fellow?
Every year, large numbers of college students and other people work for Members of Congress as volunteers, as interns, or as fellows. Many colleges and universities award academic credit for congressional work, and a number of national professional associations sponsor a competitive, midcareer congressional fellowship appointment for interested organization members.
The executive branch sponsors a Legis Fellows program, for midcareer Federal executives who wish to learn more about congressional operations. The officers of the House and Senate, along with several of the congressional support agencies, sponsor orientation programs for these congressional interns and fellows to acquaint them with congressional operations and with public policy research techniques.
My Thoughts
When I worked in D.C. in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Congress was teeming with interns who dreamed of building careers on “the Hill” (Capitol Hill). Washington, D.C. is in many ways the center of gravity for the world - anyone who is anyone comes through the city at some point - and there’s no telling who you may meet or see in the halls of Congress. It was an exciting time to be in the city.
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Back next time with Q&A #46: Who are congressional pages? What are their duties and responsibilities? What facilities does Congress provide for them?
Meanwhile, don’t forget that we’re organizing the post links on a single page available here.
xo,
Kelley for the Savvy Citizen Team
February 12, 2025