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: 8/2/2006 Subject: how do you get a bill passed?
Question Several of us are who work with animal rescue are interested in finding a solution to the over population problem of animals. We have some ideas and would like to find out how you get a bill passed at the national level and state level?
Can you give me the answer or guide me to a site that can walk me through the complete process.
Thank you,
Carla Cowart
Answer Dear Carla,
This is a very big question -- I teach whole courses about it -- and the state-level answer depends on what state you are in. All I can do here is make a couple of suggestions:
1) The best approach, if you can do it, is to find a member of the legislature who agrees with your bill and who will serve as an advocate for it. On the state level, you can start by visiting your own representatives, but it also a good idea to follow the news and get an idea of which members might be sympathetic.
2) Look for organizations that might be sympathetic to your bills (e.g., other organizations concerned with animals) and talk to them -- maybe you can convince them to take your cause on, but if not at least they can educate you as to which representatives would be friendly to you.
3) Hire a lobbyist, who will already be familiar with your local process. Not all lobbyists serve big business for big bucks -- some are issue-oriented activists who are trying to make a living by working for causes they believe in. Ask around to try to find one.
That's about as specific as I can get without knowing more.
