These resources will help you learn the nuts and bolts of the federal policy process. How are laws made? How are budgets decided? Who are the key players and what are their roles?

Federal Policy 

• Congressional Research Service, "American National Government: An Overview"
• Congressional Research Service, "Introduction to the Federal Budget Process"

Suggested Reading

This is a short list of additional readings about federal science policy. There is a lot of quality scholarship about science policy, and this list reflects only a small portion of it.  

• Prewitt, K., T.A. Schwandt, M.L. Straf (Ed.s), "Using Science as Evidence in Public Policy"
• Neal, H., T. Smith, J. McCormick, U.S. Science Policy in the 21st Century
• Smith, B., et al, "Navigating the Rules of Scientific Engagement"
• White, K. and J. Carney, Working with Congress: A Scientist's Guide to Policy
• Tyler, C., "Top 20 things scientists need to know about policy-making"