compare_legislatorsCompare multiple legislators side-by-side. Returns profiles for each bioguideId.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| bioguideIds | Yes | Array of bioguide identifiers to compare |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and openWorldHint=true. The description adds that it returns profiles, which is consistent with read-only behavior. No additional traits are disclosed, but the annotations carry the burden sufficiently, resulting in an adequate score.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences long with no wasted words. It is front-loaded with the core action and directly states the return value, making it efficient and easy to parse.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given only one parameter, good schema coverage, and annotations present, the description covers the essential context. It does not explain the 'side-by-side' format or mention the array constraints, but these are in the schema. The return value is stated, so no output schema is needed.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with a description for the single parameter. The description restates the parameter purpose without adding new details such as constraints (minItems, maxItems) or formatting. The baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'compare', the resource 'legislators', and the action 'side-by-side', which distinguishes it from single-legislator tools like get_representative_profile. The purpose is specific and unambiguous.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. For example, it does not mention that for a single legislator, get_representative_profile might be more appropriate. The agent must infer usage from the tool name and sibling list.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
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Each tool has a clear, specific purpose with detailed descriptions that differentiate them. Prefix patterns like get_district_, search_, analyze_, get_, etc., help an agent easily identify the correct tool for a task.
All tool names use a consistent verb_noun or verb_noun_noun pattern with underscores. The naming convention is uniform across the entire set, with no mixing of styles or ambiguous verbs.
With 47 tools, the count is high but justified by the broad scope of civic data analysis. While some agents might find the sheer number overwhelming, the tools are organized into clear categories (district profiles, searches, analyses) that make navigation feasible.
The toolset covers an impressively wide range of domains: legislation, representatives, districts, voting, committees, campaign finance, lobbying, federal spending, regulations, environment, energy, healthcare, housing, disaster, banking, consumer complaints, crime, vehicles, and more. There are no obvious missing operations for a civic data platform.