Ch.10 Sec.2 Answers

1)   What is a lobbyist?  What do they do?

       i. A lobbyist is a representative from an interest group

           a. They try to influence government policy by making direct contact with lawmakers or other government leaders 

  

2)   What are some potential dilemmas involved with lobbyists?

       i. How accurate the information is

            a. Lobbyist might exaggerate information on their issue

      ii. whether or not lobbyist partner with politicians 

     iii. A better lobbyist might get more attention even if their topic isn't as pressing as another 

    

3)   Identify the kinds of people who become lobbyists.

       i. Members of congress 

      ii. Lawyers

     iii. Public relations experts

4)   Describe three methods lobbyist use to influence lawmakers.

       i. Drafting Bills 

          a. Organized interest groups will have research staff help members of congress draft proposed laws

      ii. Providing Election Support 

          a. Interest groups can promise campaign support or threaten withhold support depending on whether or not they support their policies 

     iii. Taking Court Action 

          a. Some interest groups go to court to meet their polices goals

                                                 

5)   Explain why Congress asks lobbyists to testify at hearings and to hear draft legislation.

       i. The lobbyists are used as representatives for these different groups or companies and help give more information on certain topics to help congress make a decision 

      ii. Because many interest groups helped create the drafts they could give input

 

6)   How do interest groups win public support?

       i. Media Campaigns 

      ii. writing letters to government officials

 

7)   Why is the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act ineffective in controlling lobbying at the national level?

        i. Lobbyists only have to report money spent in direct contact with legislators

       ii. Only people or organizations whose principal purpose is to influence legislation needs to register 

      iii. Congress has not created an agency to enforce the lobbying law or to check the reports lobbyists file

8)   Do you believe interest groups have too much influence on the national government?  Why? 

         i. I do not think that interest groups have too much power in the government. Interest groups are just groups of people that think similarly, so they come together to make it easier to voice their opinions.