Ultimately, he said, their ability to build capital as bargainers will determine their future success.

The first lesson, he told the new members of Congress: "Don't try and think you have the fresh solution," he said. "The system is committee-driven," and a first-year representative who barges into a hearing with "the" answer to Social Security would be lucky to even get a second look.

"Look for issues not on the front page of The New York Times or The Washington Post," he said. "Find something to go home with."

Anne Wexler, a Washington legend who managed a panoply of Democratic constituency groups as President Jimmy Carter's public liaison, advised the freshmen on the dynamic between White House staff and Congressional representatives.

If you're a Republican, she said, make sure the White House won't surprise you by announcing, without your knowledge, an initiative that effects your district. Also, "Demand access to policymakers," many of whom are quite willing to meet with Congress, she said.

Kenneth Duberstein, a former chief of staff to President Ronald Reagan, explained some political realities of current atmosphere in Washington. Duberstein said that President-elect George W. Bush would "go in steady" with Congress, ready to work with conservative and Southern Democrats to forge a working majority. This likely means a step-by-step process, he said.

"There are not many Hail Mary passes in Congress. There are an awful lot of three-year-passes in a cloud of dust," Duberstein said.