Refresher on the workings of the US Government
The Legislative Process
A guide that starts with the whole picture, then tracks each step of the process of passing a law, with links to the resources--on the Web and at Duke--that document it.
Congress A to Z
CQ Press book for quick lookup of terms. Also in print under JK1021 .C554.
Complete Idiot’s Guide to the US Constitution
Includes theory & history, plus explanation of each Article and Amendment; also essays on current constitutional issues like Presidential power.
Oxford Guide to the US Government
This links to the e-book, available to Duke users online. Also in print in Reference.
We the people : an introduction to American politics
More about the US Government
Vital Statistics on American Politics
Historical and current data on elections, political parties, issues like the death penalty and abortion, interest groups, public opinion, social policy. Also in print in Reference.
Washington Information Directory
Available online through CQ Press Electronic Library and in print in Perkins
Useful for finding…
Strategy:
Restrict your Google searches to site: .gov to search across US government websites.
FDSys (Federal Digital System) GPO's new site for all sorts of US government documents
USA.gov a good place to start for exploring all aspects of US government
Writing for the Government
Book in Perkins Library. Includes how to write persuasive policy memos.
Executive Branch Departments
15 Cabinet-level departments with brief descriptions no longer linked to departmental websites.
OMB, Office of Management and Budget
Useful for finding…
GAO Strategic Planning, Performance and Accountability
Useful for finding…Issues for the US to address -- and their fiscal implications
Useful for finding…summaries of issues, actions taken, recommendations for executive action
Strategies: Browse by date, topic (including Budget), or agency
Note that it's useful to know which agency regulates your issue; or keywords used in the title of a related law.
Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States
Useful for finding…Presidential addresses, communications, interviews, proclamations and nominations, meetings with foreign dignitaries.
Compilation of Presidential Documents
Use for: daily and weekly presidential addresses, communications, interviews, proclamations and nominations, and meetings with foreign dignitaries.
Tips: Browse the Daily Compilation by date, or Search FDSys with the Advanced Search.Later compiled in Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, above.
American Presidency Project
Public Papers, State of the Union data, and more.
Click the dropdown arrow on the US Govt tab to get the Legislative sub-page.
