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Inequality and U.S. Public Policy

Selecting a law

The following websites may help you browse as you consider selecting a public law.

You may also consider searching the web or newspapers/news databases for "public law" or "federal legislation" plus words describing a theme or topic area (e.g., "federal legislation" and environment) may help you explore laws in a specific area of interest).

Major resources for your legislative genealogy

The following resources will help you find the full text of the final public law, versions of the bill in progress, sponsors/co-sponsors, votes, summaries of the bills/law, and selected information on support/opposition through hearings and debates.

Find more on context, support/opposition to the bill

WITH NEWS ARTICLES

You may also find searching newspaper articles on the bill useful to connect to current events reporting and public opinion.  The following library databases include good selections of newspaper articles.  These news articles may help you understand support/opposition from/within a variety of groups, such as: Congress, the President, the public, advocacy/lobbying groups, and more. 

The Washington Post is available online from 1877-present through Nexus Uni.  (This is a direct link to search only there).

Congressional Quarterly is available from 1966-present in print in the library (Call number 328.73).

WITH PUBLIC OPINION DATA

WITH LOBBYING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE INFORMATION

Citing Your Sources

 

Zotero
"Free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources." Download instructions and help available on the site.