influencing congress who has the greatest influence on congress: voters, parties, or lobbyists?
Post on 11-Jan-2016
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Influencing Congress
Who has the greatest influence on Congress: Voters, Parties, or
Lobbyists?
Pleasing Everyone?
• Congressmen or women vote thousands of times every session.
• Every time they say yes or no they are making decisions that will effect millions of people.
• Feel pressure from everywhere…• Trying to support constituents, their political
party, the president, and special interest groups (lobbyists)
The Congressperson's View
• Imagine you are given the task of voting…
• Controversial issues are difficult to deal with:– War, taxes, healthcare, education
• Ideally, representing the best interest of your constituents, regardless of your own opinion.
Voter’s Influence
• Congressional careers depend on winning election…
• Rep’s know what their districts want and try their best to get it (district needs over nation’s needs)
• How do they know?– Visit home districts– Listen to messages, read letters, surveys, polls
Party Influence
• Whether a Republican or Democrat, both parties take stances on major issues.
• More than 70% of the time members of the House vote with their party.
• Senators more independent– Some issues more than others…economic and
social welfare issues– Less so with foreign policy
President’s Influence
• Television appearances can influence voters, which can then influence lawmakers
• Supporting a legislator’s goals
Lobbyists
• Interest group members sent to Washington to get their interests supported by any means necessary
• The most influential have their own buildings, full time staffs in order to be most effective
• People will lobby anything…businesses, organized labor, doctors, minority groups– Work to support or oppose specific issues
Political Action Committees [PACs]
• Political fund-raising organizations created by:• Corporations• Labor Unions• Other special interests groups
• NRA, Planned Parenthood
• PACs use money raised to support lawmakers who agree with their point of view
Watch…
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCLbMNazJUA
• As the video plays, think about all the influences involved in the passing of this Bill
• Write down 3 potential influences…
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