Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Congressional Intern – 2025

Preparing for a congressional intern job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you display your skills, experiences, and interest in government and politics. Whether you’re applying for an internship in the House of Representatives, Senate, or with a specific congressman or congresswoman, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your previous experience in government or politics.
  Answer: I have always been interested in government and politics, and in my previous internship with the state representative, I gained valuable experience in the legislative process and constituent services.
• 2. Why do you want to intern for Congress?
  Answer: As a political science major, I have a passion for making a positive impact in my community and I believe interning for Congress will provide me with the opportunity to learn and contribute to important policy decisions.
• 3. What do you hope to gain from this congressional internship?
  Answer: I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process, improve my research and writing skills, and make meaningful connections in the political sphere.
• 4. How do you stay informed on current political issues and events?
  Answer: I regularly read news articles from reputable sources and follow political analysts and policy makers on social media to stay informed on current events and policy debates.
• 5. How would you handle a disagreement with a colleague or supervisor?
  Answer: I believe in open and respectful communication, so I would approach them and express my perspective calmly and professionally while also listening to their point of view.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult situation in a team.
  Answer: During my group project in college, one team member was consistently not meeting deadlines. I proactively approached them, listened to their concerns, and we compromised on a new timeline that worked for everyone. Our project was completed successfully and we maintained a positive working relationship.
• 7. Can you give an example of a time when you displayed leadership skills?
  Answer: As president of my college’s student government association, I successfully advocated for increased diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus, demonstrating my ability to lead and enact positive change.
• 8. How do you prioritize and manage multiple tasks?
  Answer: I am a highly organized and detail-oriented individual, and I use a to-do list and calendar to prioritize tasks and ensure everything is completed on time. I also communicate with my team to delegate tasks and avoid becoming overwhelmed.
• 9. Have you ever faced a difficult ethical decision? How did you handle it?
  Answer: In a previous internship, I was asked to omit important information from a report. I explained my ethical concerns to my supervisor and found a solution that maintained my integrity while also satisfying their needs.
• 10. Can you tell us about a time when you had to think on your feet in a high-pressure situation?
  Answer: During a debate competition, my partner became ill and I had to improvise and adapt, taking on both our roles and delivering a strong performance. We ended up winning the competition.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a constituent who is angry about a particular policy?
  Answer: I would listen to their concerns and show empathy, while also explaining the reasoning behind the policy and offering to connect them with appropriate resources or other avenues of support.
• 12. What would you do if you discovered a mistake in a piece of legislation?
  Answer: I would immediately notify my supervisor and work with them to find a solution, whether it be a correction or withdrawal of the legislation.
• 13. How would you handle a situation where a congressman or congresswoman asked you to complete a task that goes against your personal beliefs?
  Answer: I would respectfully explain my beliefs and offer alternative solutions, while also fulfilling my responsibilities as an intern to support their work.
• 14. How would you handle a situation where a coworker is not completing their work effectively?
  Answer: I would approach them in a professional and non-confrontational manner and offer to help or provide resources to assist them in completing their work more efficiently.
• 15. How would you handle a situation where you have a tight deadline and unexpected work is assigned to you?
  Answer: I would prioritize the new task and communicate with my team to ensure that all other necessary tasks are delegated and completed on time.

Technical Questions

• 16. Can you describe the legislative process?
  Answer: The legislative process involves several steps, including the introduction of a bill, committee review, floor debate and voting, reconciliation of differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, and ultimately, the president’s signature or veto.
• 17. What is the role of a congressional intern?
  Answer: A congressional intern assists with a variety of tasks, including constituent services, research and writing, communication with the press and other government offices, and general office support.
• 18. Can you explain the purpose of committees in Congress?
  Answer: Committees in Congress review and debate proposed legislation, conduct hearings and investigations, and provide oversight of government agencies and programs.
• 19. What is the difference between a congressman and senator?
  Answer: A congressman, or representative, is a member of the House of Representatives, while a senator is a member of the Senate. Both are part of the legislative branch of the US government, but the House and Senate have different roles and responsibilities.
• 20. How does the budget process work in Congress?
  Answer: The budget process typically starts with the president submitting a budget proposal to Congress, which then goes through several steps of review and revision before being passed by both the House and Senate and signed into law by the president.