The goal

Congress needs a majority in the House (218 of 435) and the Senate (51 of 100) to send a bill to become law. Every representative belongs to an ideological bloc that starts undecided. You and a rival interest group both compete to win them over before the session's rounds run out.

Natural allies

Some reps already agree with you (or the rival) before a single meeting happens: a bill that fits an ideology strongly enough locks in automatic day-one support on both sides.

Political Capital (PC)

Each round you receive PC from dues, fundraising, and momentum. Spend it on lobbying tactics: the further a bloc is from your cause, the more it costs to move them.

Tactics

• Coffee Meeting: cheap, low-key, modest results.
• Campaign Contribution: costlier, more persuasive.
• Grassroots Rally: doesn't flip votes directly, but makes a bloc more receptive to your next move this round.
• Media Ad Buy: airs nationally, nudging that ideology in both chambers at once.
• Backdoor Deal: unlocked round 3+. Guarantees results almost regardless of ideology, but risks a watchdog story that costs you later. This is how real influence-buying can backfire.

The Hill Herald

At the start of each week (round), a newspaper pops up with that week's headlines: endorsements, scandals, polls, and ad campaigns that can swing blocs your way or against you. You'll need to read it before you can act.

Winning & losing

A chamber is passed once you reach its majority. It's blocked if the rival locks up enough votes that you can no longer mathematically reach majority. Pass both chambers to sign your bill into law.