Much of the real work of Congress happens long before a bill reaches the House or Senate floor. In hearing rooms and markups, congressional committees shape the substance, scope and political viability of legislation, often determining whether proposals advance or stall. For professionals in public ...

As Members of Congress and congressional staff move between public service and lobbying, they bring institutional knowledge, policy expertise, and valuable networks that can shape legislative outcomes. Tracking the revolving door in Congress helps public affairs professionals anticipate shifts in ...

Understanding the changes that occurred in 2025 among Congress and state legislatures in the U.S. is pivotal for public affairs professionals looking to develop an effective government affairs strategy in the years ahead.

Grassroots activities are a public affairs strategy that uses the power of individuals and communities to participate in the political process, advocate for change and hold public officials accountable. They serve as an effective approach to lobbying, whether through state legislatures or Congress, ...

In the area of public affairs, policy briefs serve as powerful tools to communicate complex issues to Congress and state legislatures. They condense complex issues into digestible formats, enabling policymakers to grasp key information swiftly and effectively to help them make effective decisions.

As the lawmaking body of Congress, the legislative branch of the United States government is perhaps the most crucial in terms of helping public affairs professionals create lasting legislative change for their organizations. However, beyond its primary functions, there are many interesting facts ...

Have you ever wondered about the relationship between the government and private organizations? That's where government relations comes into play. Simply put, government relations refers to the efforts undertaken by businesses, organizations or individuals to interact with government officials and ...

Grassroots movements are potent tools for societal change. These bottom-up initiatives mobilize ordinary citizens to address pressing issues, influencing public discourse and policy agendas. As a vital component of public affairs, grassroots activism empowers individuals to shape the direction of ...

In the world of public affairs, lobbying plays a crucial role in shaping decisions that affect society. Two common approaches to lobbying are grassroots lobbying and direct lobbying. While both aim to influence legislation and public affairs, they operate in different ways and target different ...

The U.S. has one of the most unique political structures in the world because its lawmaking bodies exist on both a federal level as well as in each of its 50 individual states. To gain an understanding of public affairs, it’s important to first understand the differences between Congress and state ...

While both advocacy and lobbying involve efforts to shape legislation and government decisions, advocacy typically focuses on promoting a cause or issue - often through education and raising awareness. Whereas lobbying involves direct communication with policymakers to influence specific ...

Lobbying plays a significant role in shaping government policies and decisions, making it a crucial part of any public affairs strategy that hopes to move the needle in Congress or state legislatures.

A major component of an effective public affairs strategy involves advocacy or promoting the interests of a group or person. Utilizing advocacy strategies helps organizations expand their outreach and organically rally communities around a cause.

Over the past few years, our divided Congress has been caught in a virtual standstill, with just 2% of proposed legislation becoming law, the fewest in nearly three decades. As important issues remain unaddressed, state legislatures have taken on the task of leading the way on issues such as gun ...

When President Donald J. Trump entered office for a second non-consecutive term on January 20th of 2025, he became the oldest inaugurated president of all time at age 79, the second time he achieved the distinction. There’s been much discussion recently about the president’s age, with critics ...

Understanding the changes that occurred in 2023 among Congress and state legislatures in the U.S. is pivotal for public affairs professionals looking to develop an effective government affairs strategy in the years ahead.

State legislatures actively craft and enact laws that govern their respective states, playing a vital role in the democratic process. Understanding the functioning of these state institutions, as well as mastering the complexities inherent in the process of lawmaking, is essential to both citizens ...

As the government body most responsible for shaping laws, engaging Congress remains an integral part of a successful public affairs strategy. However, the complex mechanics of the congressional process can prove overwhelming for those unfamiliar with how this branch of government works.

The top lobbying firms in Washington, D.C., powerhouses that wield an immense and often concealed influence within the nation's capital, assume a crucial role. They mold public policy and advocate for corporations, labor unions, trade associations and other interest groups.

For those looking to develop an advocacy strategy with Congress, one cannot overemphasize the significance of congressional staff. These devoted experts assume a pivotal function in bolstering the efforts of our chosen representatives, from shaping policy to addressing constituents' concerns.

Grassroots advocacy has become an important part of an organization’s public affairs strategy for implementing policy changes through collective action. The strength of grassroots movements lies in their ability to tap into the authentic passion of ordinary citizens to better their communities.

Public affairs refers to a broad field focused on helping organizations communicate and develop relationships with government bodies and the public. The practice can serve as a powerful tool for organizations looking to influence public policy or manage their public perception.

If you’re an organization looking to grow your advocacy efforts, public affairs software can be a valuable resource for furthering your cause. But with dozens of platforms available, it can be difficult to figure out which supports your needs.

Understanding the functions and dynamics of state legislatures, crucial actors in shaping each United States' governance and policies, is essential for those interested in American politics or the world of public affairs. As Congress grows increasingly dysfunctional, many interest groups are ...

In modern politics, particularly within the United States, lobbying assumes a critical role in any public affairs strategy; it actively shapes public policy and decision-making. It stands as an influential avenue for organizations, individuals and interest groups to exert their influence on ...