Government Publications and Law

Reference Shelf: Politics

Page Contains:

FEC: Campaign Finance Disclosure Data Search
Lobbying: a University of Massachussetts, Amhurst Guide
OpenSecrets.org
The Lobbying Disclosure Act Database
CQ MoneyLine: Offers "daily news briefs, information on individual contributions to candidates, party committees and 527 organizations and related campaign finance data...generally available free of charge"; subscription required for more detailed information

Cal-Access: From the California Secretary of State; "Cal-Access provides financial information supplied by state candidates, donors, lobbyists, and others"
California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC): FPPC advice regarding conflicts of interest, campaigns, gifts, personal use, etc.

Regulations.gov: Search for proposed Federal Regulations and submit comments
Help Finding Government Information Online
Access to Government Information: From the Citizen Media Law Project (hosted by Harvard Law School’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society)
Office of Information & Privacy: Freedom of Information Act
Your right to federal records : questions and answers on the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act: Publication from the GSA Office of Citizen Services and Communications
A citizen's guide on using the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act of 1974 to request government records: Publication from the House Committee on Government Reform

California Initiatives
California's Statewide Initiative Process: Publication from the California Research Bureau
The Budget Process: A Citizen's Guide to Participation: Publication from the League of Women Voters of California
The Legislative Process: A Citizen's Guide to Participation: Publication from the League of Women Voters of California
How to Participate in the Rulemaking Process: Publication from the Office of Administrative Law; instructions on submitting comments regarding proposed California regulations
Access to Public Records in California: From the Citizen Media Law Project (hosted by Harvard Law School’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society)
A Pocket Guide to the California Public Records Act: From the First Amendment Project; quick reference for the California Public Records Act (CAPRA)