15 tips for being an effective legislator.

Being a legislator is one of the hardest jobs you'll ever have, the most frustrating and sometimes the most rewarding. A few hints from experts may help.

HONOR THE INSTITUTION

"You don't have to take yourself too seriously, but you should revere the Legislature as an institution."

- Speaker Donna Sytek, New Hampshire

Thomas Jefferson did it, and so did James Madison, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and other builders of our governmental institutions. They worked tirelessly to make representative government work. Now, the well-being of your state legislature is in your hands. Preserve and protect it so it remains a strong, co-equal branch of government that citizens can respect. Legislative service is one of democracy's worthiest pursuits. It is an important duty that deserves our time, attention and dedication.

To work well, government requires a bond of trust between citizens and their representatives. To tear down government diminishes your ability to solve problems in the legislature. When you demean the institution, you demean yourself.

Try to appeal to the best instincts in the electorate, talk about what you stand for, what you intend to do during your time in office and then work as hard as you can to fulfill those promises. Remember why you ran for office - to make a difference, a difference for the better.

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

"There's one easy rule. If you have to ask if it's ethical, it isn't."

- Senate President Richard Finan, Ohio

If it won't "read good" tomorrow, don't do it today. That's the advice a veteran Tennessee legislator follows in judging those instances that are perfectly legal, but could look bad. Would you be embarrassed to see your actions reported in the newspaper? Make sure you understand your state's ethics codes and adhere strictly to them. New legislators are rarely prepared for close scrutiny of their behavior. Nor do they recognize the impact of their behavior on the institution. It's hard sometimes to find out "how to act," but start with your state's statutes on conflict of interest, campaign contributions and dealing with lobbyists. Avoid even the appearance of impropriety - always take the high road. Understanding legislative etiquette and ethical responsibilities is vital, not only to the institution and your constituents but to yourself.

MASTER THE RULES

"You have a distinct advantage over everyone else when you know the rules."

- Betty King, secretary of the Senate, Texas

Play volleyball or tennis without knowing the rules? You know you'll lose. The same goes for legislating. You need to know the rules. Unfortunately, you can't curl up with the rules like you can a good novel. So it's a good idea to carry them around with you to read as you see the process unfold. Soon they will start to make sense. Get to know experienced parliamentary experts (legislators and staff) and seek their advice routinely. And don't ever fool yourself by presuming that you have conquered the rules - there's always someone in your chamber who can challenge you.

KNOW WHERE TO GET HELP

"Information is power...