The House and Senate Explained: The People's Guide to Congress (Wiley Series in Environmental Quality)

Your guide to understanding how Congress works, who does what, and why--and how to reach out and do something about it.

Ellen Greenberg sets the stage for both the House of Representatives and the Senate, explaining what the mace and hopper are, how the chambers are laid out, who the onstage actors are and what they do. Her section on the jargon--the most common phrases used--goes far beyond mere description to show how our government operates. She also explains how business is done: what happens on a daily basis and during the weekly schedule and how a bill becomes a law--or doesn't. The House and Senate Explained includes a chapter on using the Internet to access information about the House, the Senate, and the White House, from getting around Washington to accessing proposed bills to sending E-mail to your congressional representatives. In addition, you'll learn how to be heard by your representatives and how to take a more active role in committee hearings. A listing of all the congressional committees and subcommittees lets you know where your special concerns are being addressed. Whether a C-SPAN addict, a concerned citizen, or a general reader watching the nightly news, this hands-on manual will help you understand Congress and how to make it work for you.

Ellen Greenberg, a C-SPAN watcher, lives in Dobbs Ferry, New York.