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Category: Reference
Developer: Cohen Research Group
Requirements: iPhone 2.2 software
Compatibility: iPhone and iPod Touch
File Size: 6.1MB
Version Reviewed: 2.5
Price: $0.99 (Election Version), $9 (Plus Version) $99 (Pro Version)
Age Rating: 4+

As a fan of democracy and knowing what actually happens in our government, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the Congress in Your Pocket app. From Cohen Research Group, Congress in Your Pocket is available in three flavors: the “Congress Election’’ version ($0.99), “Congress Plus” ($9) and “Congress Pro” ($99). A detailed comparison of each version can be found at congressinyourpocket.com, but the chief difference between the three is that Election offers no database updates, Plus offers yearly updates through 2010, and Pro provides the latest updates whenever you want them (yearly subscription).

The app’s UI is straightforward. On the bottom, you have sections for all of Congress: the Senate, the House, Search, and more items, such as active legislation, donors, etc. After searching for a Congressperson, tapping on his or her search result gives you their basic contact information, legislative activity, and campaign information. Congress in Your Pocket also incorporates services such as Thomas and Fact Check, so you can check active legislation and facts on each representative. I do, however, wish that this integration was tighter and more in the iPhone/iPod touch interface rather than simply displaying the website that has the information in it. Other than that main gripe, there aren’t too many other flaws with Congress in Your Pocket.

Overall, Congress in Your Pocket is a very well designed app. The Election version seems a bit under-featured, as no updates of any sort are pushed to the app. The Pro version, at $99 a year, seems like a deep hole in the wallet, but it is aimed towards those who work on Capitol Hill. This leaves the Plus ($9) version to be just right, as it features updates for two sessions; just the right number for users.