Capitol Professionalism
What is the appropriate dress code for this internship?
Business professional unless stated otherwise
What is a "floor vote"?
A vote by the full Assembly or Senate
Who is a constituent?
A resident of the district that an elected official represents
What are the two houses in the CA State Legislature?
Assembly and Senate
You're running late for work. What is the first thing you do when you discover this?
Notify your supervisor ASAP
How should you address an elected official?
By their title, unless told otherwise by the elected official
What are the governor's options when a bill is placed on their desk?
Sign the bill into law, allow the bill to become law without signing, or veto
What information should you collect on a constituent call?
Name, contact info (email and phone number), issue, and request
How many members are in the Assembly and Senate?
80 Assemblymembers and 40 Senators
You disagree with a policy position your office supports. How should you handle it in the workplace?
Keep personal opinions separate and professionally represent the office
What does a professional social media presence look like?
No extreme positions and personal opinions, simple professional branding, professional dress, etc
What is the difference between bills and resolutions?
Bills are proposed laws that create or change. Resolutions express opinion.
To understand community concerns and issues; to be updated on local news and incidents, etc
Who is the Assembly Speaker?
Speaker Robert Rivas
You are asked a policy question by a lobbyist during a lobby day, but you do not know the answer. How you do respond?
Politely acknowledge, do not guess, and direct them to the appropriate staff or follow up
Why is it important to separate personal opinion from professional responsibilities?
To maintain objectivity and represent the office appropriately
What does it mean to "gut and amend" a bill?
Name 3 things a constituent might call your office for.
EDD assistance, housing resources, insurance assistance, bill advocacy, bill suggestion, commenting on an elected official's actions or positions, legislative support, etc
A nonpartisan state agency that drafts legislation, provides legal opinions, and offers legal services to the CA Legislature and Executive offices
You are staffing your elected official at a community event. A group of community members asks for a picture with the elected official. As an intern, what do you do?
Take additional pictures of the elected official for future purposes
How should you respond to an inquiry about your elected official's whereabouts?
By not providing their location or personal tasks
Name at least 3 different types of legislative committees.
Standing committees, Subcommittees, Joint Committees, Select Committees, Caucuses
How would you de-escalate a call from an upset constituent?
Express understanding, empathy, appreciation, and seriousness
Maintaining party discipline, ensuring attendance for votes, and counting votes on legislation
Your best friend, who is another intern working in an elected official's office, asks you for insider information regarding the elected official's position on a bill. How should you respond?
Remain polite, but do not share internal insights