Govtrack.us Web

Overview

GovTrack.us is a powerful platform designed to provide transparency regarding congressional legislation and activities. The front-end repository empowers developers to contribute to or customize their experience with the site. Built with Python and Django, it accommodates local development through user-friendly tools like Vagrant, ensuring that anyone interested can easily dive into the code.

The repository allows developers to efficiently manipulate source files and see changes in real-time, enhancing the overall software development process. It also supports a robust set of features that integrate various data sources, making it a valuable resource for those looking to engage with legislative information.

Features

• Easy Local Development: Utilize Vagrant for a simplified setup, allowing you to develop the site in a virtual machine while editing files on your host computer.
• Real-time Code Reloading: Any changes made to .py files are automatically reflected in the running server, streamlining the development process.
• Comprehensive Data Integration: The site draws from multiple data sources, enabling real-time access to current legislator information and various types of legislative data.
• Custom Configuration Options: Developers can easily set configuration variables in a dedicated settings file, tailoring the environment to their needs.
• Historical Data Access: The repository includes mechanisms for accessing a wealth of historical legislative data, ensuring a deep repository of legislative history.
• Accessible Test Data: The integration with the live site allows for immediate access to current data, making testing straightforward and relevant.
• Support for Various Data Types: It handles documentation for bills, votes, and committee memberships, making it a comprehensive tool for legislative analysis.
• User-friendly Documentation: The Vagrantfile provides clear instructions for both Vagrant users and those setting up without it, ensuring that developers can get started without confusion.