AboutJohn C. Berg Expertise How to run for office and win, how to lobby, how to promote your political cause effectively, how to get involved in electoral and issue campaigns, how to get a job in politics.
Experience I have been a professor of political science since 1974, and direct a graduate program in professional politics. I have worked on many campaigns in various capacities.
Organizations American Association of Political Consultants, American Political Science Association, Caucus for a New Political Science, National Society for Experiential Education, International Political Science Association.
Publications Polity, New Political Science, Policy Studies Journal. Author of Unequal Struggle: Class, Gender, Race, and Power in the US Congress.
Education/Credentials PhD, Harvard University, 1975
MA, Harvard University, 1973
BA with Honors, University of Wisconsin, 1964
Expert: John C. Berg Date: 3/29/2008 Subject: Funding for Bills
Question I live in New Mexico and I am appalled that a second language isn't required for College. In our greatly diverse society it would be a benefit for all of us if we learned another language. In order to get a bill passed requiring students to learn another language for college what would be the procedure and cost to do something like that?
Answer Dear Barbara,
I'm not sure I understand the subject line -- where does "funding" come in? But to get a bill passed, basically you have to find an elected representative who agrees with your idea, and is willing to submit and work for the bill -- and then you have to help that representative convince a majority of his or her colleagues to vote for it. As a preliminary step, I would strongly suggest that you find a group of other people -- perhaps an association of language teachers -- who agree with you and will work with you.
I would also suggest that you start on the state level, since there are no precedents for the federal government regulating what universities teach.
As for the cost of you campaign, that question cannot be answered -- you will probably spend as much money as you can get, as you can always think of something else to do to make your argument stronger.
I'm afraid this isn't very helpful, largely because the task you are proposing for yourself is extremely difficult.
