Presentation jigsaw310
- 3. The Direct Approach • The direct approach, bringing group pressures to bear directly on public policymakers, is another way of saying “lobbying” • Lobbying: is the process by which organized interests attempt to affect the decisions and actions of the public officials. • Lobbyists: are those people who try to persuade public officials to do those things that interest groups want them to do. • Most lobbyists are professionals. Some are freelancers, “hired guns” who will use their contacts and talents for anyone willing to pay what they charge. • Most larger companies and labor unions have their own full- time lobbyist.
- 4. Lobbying Congress • The benefits of maintaining close relationships with members of Congress are fairly obvious, for Congress is the prime place for the making of public policy in the Federal Government. • Some lobbying efforts target individual lawmakers and their staffs, but most are aimed at the standing committees of the House and the Senate. • Lobbyist testify before congressional committees and regularly submit prepared statements that set out their organization’s views on proposed legislation.
- 5. Lobbying Congress “Competent lobbyists can present the most persuasive arguments in support of their positions. Indeed, there is no more effective manner of learning all important arguments and facts on a controversial issue than to have the opposing lobbyists present their case.” --John F. Kennedy
- 6. Lobbying Congress Lobbyist are ready to do such things as make campaign contributions, provide information, write speeches, and even draft legislation. The contributions are welcome, the information is quite accurate, the speeches are forceful, and the bills are well drawn.
- 7. Lobbying Congress • Most lobbyist know that if they behaved otherwise: • Give false or misleading information. • They would damage or destroy their credibility and their overall effectiveness. • Lobbyist work hard to: I • Influence committee action • Floor debate • The final vote in the legislative body If they fail in one house they carry their fight to the other. If the lose there, too, on to the executive branch. Maybe the courts.