Chapter 10 Section 2 Questions 1-8

Government Chapter 10 Section 2

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

A lobbyist is someone who makes direct contact with lawmakers or other government leaders. They represent interest groups.

2. What are some potential dilemmas involved with lobbyists?

Different interest groups compete for power and influence, so it’s nearly impossible for any single group to control lawmakers and other public officials. Most organizations struggle to pay small staffs.

3. Identify the kinds of people who become lobbyists.

-Previous government officials

-Have a good understanding of human nature

-Understand the political system

-Many are lawyers or public relations experts

-Aware of  their groups beliefs

4. Describe three methods lobbyist use to influence lawmakers.

-Providing useful information: giving legislators pamphlets, reports, statistics, and other kinds of information.

-Drafting Bills: studies have show that interest groups and their lobbyists draft parts of or entire bills for almost 50% of all legislation.

-Providing Election Support: raising money for political campaigns

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

Because they can provide useful information

6. How do interest groups win public support?

Through media campaigns and letter writing. They inform the public of what they’re doing and how it will help them.

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

-Lobbyists only have to report money spent on direct contact with legislatures.

-The act requires only that people or organizations whose principal purpose is to influence legislation need register.

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

I believe that interest groups are perfectly fine because all they are doing is providing information to the legislature, not completely controlling passed bills or anything like that. All they do is persuade government officials, which is not an illegal thing.