15 Tips For Being an Effective Legislator

The National Conference of Sate Legislators (NCSL)

Listen, think and vote your conscience. Your constituents will not always agree with
you, but they will respect you for thinking through the issues and leveling with
them.
Senator Leticia Van De Putte, Texas
Theres one easy rule. If you have to ask if its ethical, it isnt.
Representative Sheryl Allen, Utah
No.1: Honor the Institution
Thomas Jefferson did it. So did James Madison, George Washington and Alexander
Hamilton. They worked tirelessly to make rep-resentative government work. Now,
the well-being of your state legislature is in your hands. Preserve and protect it so it
remains a strong, co-equal branch of government. Legislative service is one of
democracys worthiest pursuits. It is an important duty that deserves our time,
attention and dedication. To work well, government requires a bond of trust
between citizens and their representatives. Tearing down government diminishes
your ability to solve problems in the legislature. When you demean the institution,
you demean yourself. Try to appeal to the best instincts of the electorate, talk about
what you stand for and what you intend to do during your time in office, then work
as hard as you can to fulfill those promises. Remember why you ran for officeto
make a difference, a difference for the better.
No. 2: Take the High Road
If it wont read good tomorrow, dont do it today. Thats the best rule to follow
when judging those instances that are perfectly legal, but could look bad.
Would you be embarrassed to see your actions reported in the newspaper? Make
sure you understand your states ethics codes and adhere to them. New legislators
are rarely prepared for close scrutiny of their behavior, nor do they recognize the
effect of their behavior on the institution. Avoid even the appearance of impropriety
always take the high road. Understanding legislative etiquette and ethical
responsibilities is vital, not only to the institution and your constituents, but to
yourself.
No. 3: Master the Rules
Play volleyball or tennis without knowing the rules? Youll lose. The same goes for
legislating. You need to know the rules. Its a good idea to carry them around with
you to read as you see the process unfold. Soon they will start to make sense. Get
to know experienced parliamentary experts (legislators and staff) and seek their

advice routinely. And dont ever fool yourself by presuming that you have conquered
the rulestheres always someone in your chamber who can challenge you.
No. 4: Know Where to Get Help
Get acquainted with staff members, not only legislative staff but key people in the
governors office and cabinet offices. Look for expertise among members on both
sides of the aisle. Turn to them for advice and counsel. Lobbyists also can serve as
resources, but be sure to ask for information on all sides of an issue. Trust legislative
staff. When you have the opportunity to hire them, surround yourself with the most
intelligent, dedicated staff you can find. Set aside 20 minutes or so a few days
before every committee meeting to review the bills on the agenda with legislative
staff. It will help you prepare.
No. 5: Manage Your Time
Its the effective legislators creed: Organize, prioritize, commit to those things you
consider important. If you can do this, youll be ahead of the pack. An effective
legislator is punctual: Get to the floor on time, get to your appointments on time,
get to your committee meetings on time. Its the little things that trip you uplike
deadlines. If you miss a bill filing, it could be a whole year before you can try again.
If youre late in filing campaign contributionsor dont file at allyou might read
about it in the paper or see it in your next opponents campaign brochure. So attend
to the housekeeping chores.
No. 6: Develop a Specialty
You cant be an expert in all things. Focus your policy pursuits so you can do a few
tasks very well. Be selective in the bills you introduce. Decide the two or three
issues you are going to specialize in and make a difference. Dont try to be all things
to all people. Pursue committee assignments in your areas of interest, get
appointed to a task force and help negotiate an issue even if you arent the major
sponsor of a bill. By being the point person on these issues, you will be the one
members turn to for help and information. You will develop your negotiating skills
and build your reputation as a serious lawmaker among your colleagues and outside
the legislature.
No. 7: Vote Your Conscience
Your constituents sent you to the legislature, and you must represent them. But you
are also a trustee of your entire state. Sometimes a hot issue presents nearly
irreconcilable conflicts among these responsibilities, but you still have to come to a
decision and vote. It may not please everybody, but remember that you are the only
person you have to live with 24 hours a day, every day. The voters have already
decided they approve of your basic philosophies and have chosen to place their
trust in you. Make the commitment to communicate with your constituents about
how you evaluate issues and arrive at decisions. That allows you not only to
represent by listening, but also to represent by leading, by shaping opinions. It will
give you latitude with people who may not always agree with you, but who will
respect you for thinking through issues.

No. 8: Don't Burn Bridges

Its going to happen. Youre going to disagree and become upset and sometimes
even dislike another legislator. But remember that todays adversary may be
tomorrows ally, so learn how to disagree without being disagreeable. Dont react
emotionally or in anger on the floor to something someone has said. The things you
say in these cases will come back to haunt you. You might create an unnecessary
enemy, one thing you dont need in the legislature. People dont have to like you,
but if they respect you and know you are going to play it straight, youll be all right.
No. 9: Keep Your Word
Ben Franklin was right. Honesty is the best policy in life and in the legislature. A
legislators effectiveness and reputation are only as good as his or her word.
Without truth there can be no trust. If you promise someone your vote, deliver. A
good working relationship, whether with your fellow legislators or your constituents,
depends on their ability to believe what you say. Sometimes after you have
promised to vote a certain way, you will get additional information that changes
your mind. When this happens, tell the people youve changed your mind.
Remember, credibility is key around the legislature; you cant be effective if you are
perceived as untrustworthy.
No. 10: Be Careful What You Agree To
The casual co-sponsorship of bills promises minor rewards and major headaches.
When in doubtdont. Be careful not to let socializing on the floor, friendship and
trust come before scrutiny of a bill. Too often, youll end up having to vote against a
bill that youve signed on to sponsor. One protection is a 24-hour waiting period. No
matter how much you like a person and normally trust that persons views, make
sure you understand the bill. Take time to decide. If someone really wants you as a
sponsor, he or she will wait a day.
No. 11: Don't Hog the Mike
When you make a speech on the floor, always prepare in advance and make sure
that your topic is something thats important to you. Dont talk about everything.
Even if you are an expert in everything, you risk wearing out your welcome if you
feel the need to hold forth on every bill. Sometimes, the most effective legislator is
the one who speaks only three or four times during the session. Yet when he does,
all eyes are on him and everyone listens.
No. 12: Stay in Touch With Your Constituents
Communicate with your constituents. This is an overwhelming task, but its critical.
Return phone calls, answer e-mails and letters, have town meetings. Let them know
who you are, that youre approachable and responsible, that you represent them.
Besides, it makes the job a lot more interesting if you really know the people you
represent. Its difficult to build a bond with your constituents simply through press
releases. If you have any writing skills at all and you care about policy, its well
worth the time to write a weekly column for the news media, start a blog or post

your views on a Facebook page. Its important to think through the issues before a
decision and to explain to your constituentseither before or after you votehow
you got there.
No. 13: Be a Problem Solver
Controversial, even inflammatory issues will arise in your district. Use your skills and
your office to help the community find solutions. Whether its the location for a new
prison or closing a school, work with the state agencies and local governments to
find the best solution. Dont take sides on clearly local issues, but serve as a
resource for information to help find the best solution. Call on the experience and
knowledge of members who have served longer than you, ask questions, do
research, show you can be a positive influence in the community.
No. 14: Work With the Media
Dont assume the media are your adversary. Reporters have a responsibility to
inform the public, and they take it seriously. Be proactive. Contact reporters
regularly to tell them about your position on issues and the work you are doing.
Focus on the policy process and the issues, not on partisan differences and conflict.
Present information that is easy to understand and use. Know your local
newspapers deadlines. Call writers back promptly. Dont expect them to use your
press releases if you avoid their phone calls. When the media do a good job,
acknowledge it. At the same time, dont hesitate to ask for corrections of distortions
in facts or other errors in stories.
No. 15: Stop and Smell the Roses
In politics, its a struggle to maintain a normal private life. Politicians can be
tempted to take family members for granted, to treat them as appendages,
decorations on campaign literature, free help when envelopes need to be licked.
Sometimes its difficult to resist self-importance. The grand responsibilities and
acclaim that come with holding public office can be unhealthy substitutes for
reflection, ordinary friendships and meeting the simple responsibilities of life. Dont
forget to take care of yourself. Eat right. Exercise. And make time for yourself.
Reference: http://www.ncsl.org/research/about-state-legislatures/15-tips-for-beingan-effective-legislator.aspx

The Top 11 Qualities of Good Legislators

Source: http://utahpoliticohub.com/the-top-11-qualities-of-good-legislators/

Learn process The legislative process is like a monopoly game. Those who know
the rules best mostly get their way. Take the time to learn parliamentary procedure.
Learn how to pass and kill bills.

Learn appropriations The difference between Executive Appropriations and

Appropriations SubCommittees is immense. Figure out how to get funding.
Dont define your worth by the office you hold It is a great privilege to represent
your neighbors and friends. Some legislators have a hard time making votes. Make
the best choices you can and then be accountable for your actions.
Be a hard sell I want a representative who is deliberate, reflective and tough when
voting. Be slow to make commitments and listen to all sides of an issue before
making a decision.
Pragmatism without abandoning ideology Being a hard sell doesnt always mean
voting no. Working well with others matters. Find me a critical thinker and problem
solver and Ill be more likely to trust you. When we disagree, you will need to clearly
articulate why you chose to vote the way you did and Ill expect as my
representative you will know more than I do.
Find common ground Related to #5. The ability to work out language in a bill to
the satisfaction of many vested interests while still achieving the bills objectives is
an art form.
Pay attention to constituents I have often thought that a constituent has more
influence over a legislator, particularly a delegate, than all the lobbyists on Capitol
Hill. That is why many times legislators will single out communications from
constituents and address them first.
Find the right solution to the right problem Far too often government over reacts.
Make the bandage fit the wound.
Dont take things personally In a competitive environment (yes its competitive),
you have to be able to focus on issues and not on the person. It is easy to do, but
totally unproductive. I feel worst about the times Ive allowed issues to get personal.
It is uncalled for in an environment where you make hundreds of votes over 45
days.
Build relationships Some relationships are temporary and some are more
permanent. I like to say that lobbyists are paid to be your friend. I can say that
because Im one. But through all of the transactional nature of politics, youll find
friendships that will last for a long time. Value those relationships.
Dont let the legislature get in the way of your marriage The Legislator gets lots of
attention. Remember that your spouse and children are the ones who sacrifice the
most. The rest of the family is getting angry phone calls from constituents, calls
from the media, unwanted attention at school, and keeping track of all the mail. And
the Legislator is focused on the Legislature during the 45 day session, not his/her
family. It is hard, but not impossible.

The 5 habits of highly

effective legislators
By Craig Volden and Alan Wiseman January 6, 2015

(Susan Walsh/AP)

As the 114th Congress convenes this week, it will

confront pressing issues like immigration reform,
national security, and numerous economic and
social policies with long-term consequences for the
countrys welfare. Making any progress on these
issues will require the seemingly unthinkable:
agreement between a Republican Congress and
President Obama.
The public, for its part, seems skeptical that
Congress can or will do much of anything. In
peoples view, Congress is ill-equipped to handle the
nations challenges and unable to engage in effective
lawmaking.
However, reports of the death of congressional
lawmaking have been greatly exaggerated.
Lawmaking in Congress is certainly affected by the
divided government and political polarization that
appear to be driving gridlock today. But weve seen
contentious politics before. What matters for
overcoming political divides and reaching new
compromises is whether members of Congress resist
the temptation to merely score political points and
instead play their more important role as lawmakers.
In our recent book, Legislative Effectiveness in the
United States Congress: The Lawmakers, we study
lawmaking in the House of Representatives over the
last 40 years and score the effectiveness of every

member. These Legislative Effectiveness Scores are

based on how far representatives proposals move
through the lawmaking process and on the
importance of those proposals. These scores shed
new light on the workings of Congress.
The highly effective lawmakers in one Congress tend
to be the ones who bring about major policy changes
in the next. And tracking their lawmaking habits
offers a recipe for success in the future. Although
these may sound intuitive, it is surprising how many
members of Congress neglect them, and amazing
just how useful these habits are for those who
embrace them.
Habit 1: Develop a legislative agenda rooted
in personal background, previous
experiences and policy expertise.
Habit 2: Develop a legislative agenda tightly
focused on district needs.
Habits 1 and 2 point to the virtues of specialization
and perseverance. With any proposed bill having less
than a 4 percent chance of becoming law, members
must be determined to overcome such steep odds.
Consider Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif.), who escaped
Nazi forced-labor camps and dedicated his
congressional career to fighting human rights abuses
worldwide. Or Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), who
focused like a laser on the needs of his constituents.

Both were motivated to use the privilege of officeholding for a higher purpose.
Habit 3: Be entrepreneurial with positions of
institutional power.
Habit 3 points to the use of committee and
leadership positions to advance policymaking
agendas, such as when Rep. Henry A. Waxman (DCalif.) repeatedly reformed health policies as a key
subcommittee chairman.
Habit 4: Be open to compromise, even with
those who are not natural allies.
Monkey Cage newsletter
Commentary on political science and political issues.
Sign up

Habit 5: Cultivate a broad set of allies, even

beyond the House.
Habits 4 and 5 point to compromise, and are found
among lawmakers all across the political spectrum.
Despite opposing underlying ideologies, effective
lawmakers know that nothing in Congress can be
accomplished alone, without building coalitions
across the ideological divide, across parties, and
across branches of government. For example, with
Democrats regaining control of the Senate (along
with the House) during President Reagans final two
years, Rep. Hamilton Fish (R-N.Y.) needed to bridge
the ideological divide between Reagan and Sen.

Edward M. Kennedy. By making sure both sides

won on the issues they cared the most about, Fish
helped secure passage of the Fair Housing Act
Amendments of 1988, and later played a key role in
the Americans with Disabilities Act.
As the 61 newly elected freshman in the House and
13 new senators enter Congress this week, they face
a choice. They can keep up the partisan rhetoric and
bomb-throwing that has made Congress so reviled.
Or they can figure out how to be effective lawmakers
and make their institution effective as a result.
None of them campaigned on maintaining the status
quo, on business as usual. And the above habits, if
internalized and cultivated, offer them a recipe for
success. Moreover, new members can rely on the
role models of highly effective lawmakers who are
returning with them to Congress.
In last falls elections we tracked the top performers
of each party according to our scores in the 112th
Congress. (You can track all legislators here.) Each
and every one of those highly effective members on
the ballot won their general election battle. So while
the above habits are not necessarily the easy road,
they represent not only good policy but also good
electoral politics.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2015/01/06/the-5habits-of-highly-effective-legislators/

Organized Keep files organized, stay on schedule, multi-task

Comfortable speaking in public outgoing, confident, people need to be impressed

with you

Involved and willing to compromise listen to your constituents, pay attention to

constituents needs

Persuasive raise funds for your campaign, get people to vote for you, and get
people to vote for your bills

Charming smile, welcoming, people want to be around you, approachable, pleasant

Well educated/ intelligent people will have confidence in you, you are credible, you
will be able to read through reams of paperwork

Motivated, dedicated, driven willing to work long hours

Burning desire to serve people help your constituents(casework), pork

Brave vote your conscience perhaps going against your political party, public
speaking in front of crowds maybe out of your district

Source: https://quizlet.com/78924266/characteristics-of-an-effective-legislator-flashcards/