Chapter 19 Lesson 4 Affecting Public Policy Essential

Chapter 19 : Lesson 4 Affecting Public Policy

Essential Question What impact do Lobbyists have on public policy?

Vocabulary Lobby: to make direct contact by lobbyists to persuade government officials to support the policies their interest group favors.

Vocabulary Lobbyist: a paid representative of an interest group who contacts government officials on behalf of the interest group.

Three ways in which Lobbyists Influence Public Policy. 1. Lobbyists might argue for/against bills. 2. Government officials often rely on lobbyists for information/opinions. 3. Lobbyists sometimes help write bills.

Grassroots Lobbying § Lobbyist bring “grass-roots” pressures to bear through email, letters, or phone calls from constituents. § They rate candidates and publicize the ratings.

Lobbying effects all branches of government § Legislative § What types of legislation will be passed or defeated. .

§ Executive (includes reg. agencies) § How strictly a law is enforced &/or regulated. § What bills to sign or veto.

http: //cagle. com/news/SCHIP/4. asp

§ Judicial § How laws are interpreted in court cases. § Who gets nominated & confirmed to sit on the bench.

Why do members of Congress listen to lobbyists? Source of info Help with political & campaign strategy Provide ideas & innovation

Industries’ big spenders on lobbying

Criticisms of Lobbying § They “buy” off candidates through campaign contributions, gifts, and travel.

Why doesn’t Congress reform the system and place bigger limits on contributions and access by lobbyists? § Would you cut off the hand that fed you?

Review Question: Chapter 19 : Lesson 4 Read pages 591 -598 and answer Review Questions on page 590. Hand in Google Class Room.