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…