Legislatures and Elections

News Highlights: Legislatures & Elections

Standing Committees

A-Z Issues & NCSL Contacts

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Ethics in the News

Find out the latest activities across the states regarding ethics. NCSL's Ethics Center also provides links to state-specific ethics newsletters. More

10 Principles of Parliamentary Procedure

This video covers the 10 principles that govern procedure in group decision making. More

Guidelines to Ethical Lobbying

The profession is regulated in all states, and lobbyists are required to register, disclose their activities and limit gifts. More

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International Programs

International Programs

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Legislative Exchanges

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Overview

The International Programs department of NCSL acts as a liaison between U.S. state legislatures and their counterparts internationally, including international and regional organizations, foreign embassies, parliaments and legislatures (both national and regional), as well as domestic organizations with international interests. NCSL’s International Programs department conducts research, holds public policy conferences and forums, develops technical assistance projects and exchange programs as well as fellowships. The department also assists state legislators and staff in identifying major international issues with local or regional implications.

Exchanging information with parliamentarians from other governments broadens perspectives on public policy development. U.S. states present a variety of legislative experiences and knowledge to international legislatures. Because legislatures are the most representative institution of government, state legislators and staff are in a unique position to support democracies and assist in strengthening legislative bodies. NCSL carries out several types of international exchanges with foreign counterparts around the globe, including technical assistance projects, legislative exchanges, and welcoming over two-hundred international legislators and legislative staff at NCSL’s annual Legislative Summit.

NCSL's International Programs department:

Develops professional exchange programs between U.S. legislators, legislative staff, and their international legislative counterparts;
Identifies NCSL's unique resources and formulates assistance to foreign legislatures through technical assistance projects, study tours, needs assessments, workshops, internships and/or seminars;
Hosts official international delegations and familiarizes them with NCSL and state legislatures;
Determines the extent of current international activities in state legislatures and provides assistance to those attempting to establish international programs; and
Encourages informational networking with other organizations that have similar interests.