District Trip

All Fellows are strongly encouraged to visit the congressional district or state of the Representative or Senator on whose staff they serve.

The constituency-based nature of the U.S. Congress makes it distinct among the parliaments of the world. By giving Fellows an opportunity to observe representative life first-hand, the district visit provides exposure to the full array of pressures that influences a legislator's approach to policy.

It is a rough rule-of-thumb that a Representative or Senator pursues two rather distinct lives.

• The responsibilities of legislative governance include serving on committees or subcommittees, participating in conference committees, organizing case work for constituents within the executive branch, etc.

• By contrast, the necessity of electoral life involves interaction with constituents: "backgrounding" the local newspaper editorial board and holding press conferences; meeting with local business interests and citizen groups; hosting town hall meetings; participating in local events; and all the other activities that connect the Member with those he or she represents.

Political scientists, journalists, and APSA-MCI Fellows receive up to $750 reimbursement for a five-day visit. District trip travel funds for all other Fellows must be provided by their sponsoring agencies or organizations (approximately $750 to cover the costs of transportation, room, and board). For more information on CFP Travel Policy, click here.