Get the inside scoop on the most powerful city on EarthHow Washington Actually Works For Dummies isn't a dry explanation of the American system of government but a playbook for how the policymaking process really works: who has a seat at the table, who is on the outside wielding influence, and who implements policy after it's approved. It takes you inside the political process in Washington, discusses how the government's power has grown through the years, and explains how the parts fit together.Washington's past and present — get a brief history of the city from its humble beginnings to its emergence as a seat of true power, and find out what life in D.C. is really like todayThe men and women behind the curtain — acquaint yourself with federal bureaucrats, from the Executive Office of the President to the Cabinet to the federal agency workers who keep the government runningProfessional persuaders — discover the ins and outs of what lobbyists do, what rights they have, and how they influence WashingtonThe Oval Office — glimpse the day-to-day inner workings of the White House and how the president works with Congress, lobbyists, media, and constituentsOpen the book and find:Who really wields power in WashingtonWhy the president's influence is limitedHow a good policy idea can become a lawHow to spot a federal workerTips for getting your foot in the door in D.C.What think tanks, activists, and other D.C. players doTen ways to influence policymakingLearn to:Grasp what it's like behind the scenes in the most powerful city on EarthExperience a day in the life of CongressDiscover the workings of the White HouseMake sense of how policy ideas are born