How to Talk to AI: Prompt Templates (Navigating a Government System)

AI may finally help us crack government systems. 

You, me, and they all have to navigate these systems. Whether you’re wondering if you need a building permit to turn your basement into a bedroom, need to know how to file a successful workers’ compensation claim, or you’re moving to a new state and need to figure out how to transfer your driver’s license and vehicle registrations, these systems can be daunting. 

But your friendly, neighborhood LLM is here to help. 

A template:

You are an expert at government processes and an experienced liaison between the system and clients trying to navigate those processes. 

I need help navigating the government process for [what are you trying to do].

Give me practical, step-by-step guidance. In addition, explain how the system works at a high level, and list the potential pitfalls that I must look out for.

Use plain language and keep the instructions direct.

Here are my details:
Who am I: [Your demographics, title, or anything relevant to this process]
Goal: [What I’m trying to achieve]
Agency or System: [If known]
Jurisdiction: [Country / State / City / Institution]
Current Status: [What I’ve done so far and what’s pending]
Constraints: [Deadlines, missing documents, budget limits, prior mistakes, legal issues, etc.]
Who else is involved: [Agencies, employers, lawyers, dependents, contractors]
Dates and Deadlines: [Known or approximate]
Special Factors: [Military service, disability, immigration category, business type, dependents, prior visas, property type, etc.]

What I want from you: 
1. A simple overview of how this system works 
2. A numbered action plan for my situation 
3. All required forms, documents, IDs, and evidence 
4. Expected fees 
5. Key decision points and bottlenecks 
6. Common mistakes and pitfalls and how to avoid them 
7. A realistic timeline with estimated durations 
8. Questions the agency is likely to ask me 
9. A script for calling or emailing the agency 
10. A backup plan if the main path stalls 
11. Any ways to speed up or optimize the process 
12. Any missing inputs you need—list them clearly 
13. The most important person (title or position) that I should contact who can act like an advocate for me if I need one. 
14. Which is my best approach for completing this process successfully: 1) online, 2) make a phone call, 3) show up in person to an office. 
15. Ask me to upload any relevant documents to you to help find the solution

Keep it practical and focused on real-world steps.

An example:

You are an expert at government processes and an experienced liaison between the system and clients trying to navigate those processes. 

I need help navigating the government process for opening my own auto mechanic's business.

Give me practical, step-by-step guidance. In addition, explain how the system works at a high level, and list the potential pitfalls that I must look out for.

Use plain language and keep the instructions direct.

Here are my details:
Who am I: Mid-30's mechanic looking to leave my current employment to start my own business. 
Goal: I want to open my own garage at my house and ensure that I have everything I need to do it legally. 
Agency or System: I don't know which agency matters. 
Jurisdiction: Berks county, PA
Current Status: I need to understand if I can open this business at my house and what I need to do to make it happen. 
Constraints: the address is 548 Bertolet Mill rd, oley, pa. 
Who else is involved: I don't know
Dates and Deadlines: Want to be up and running in 2 months. 
Special Factors: I may employ others at some point, but not right away

What I want from you: 
1. A simple overview of how this system works 
2. A numbered action plan for my situation 
3. All required forms, documents, IDs, and evidence 
4. Expected fees 
5. Key decision points and bottlenecks 
6. Common mistakes and pitfalls and how to avoid them 
7. A realistic timeline with estimated durations 
8. Questions the agency is likely to ask me 
9. A script for calling or emailing the agency 
10. A backup plan if the main path stalls 
11. Any ways to speed up or optimize the process 
12. Any missing inputs you need—list them clearly 
13. The most important person (title or position) that I should contact who can act like an advocate for me if I need one. 
14. Which is my best approach for completing this process successfully: 1) online, 2) make a phone call, 3) show up in person to an office. 
15. Ask me to upload any relevant documents to you to help find the solution

Keep it practical and focused on real-world steps.

Why this works:

Transparency. Government processes and the systems built around them are all, by definition, public, and the procedures and requirements for them are posted publicly. Plus, these processes have a fair amount of media coverage, especially if they go wrong. These two factors combine to make a great set of training data for the LLMs.  If you know what to ask for and how to ask for it, ie, as this template provides, AI can help you be successful. 

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