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Influencing Congress

Explore the various influences on Congress, including the power of voters, influence of political parties, and the role of lobbyists. Discover how these influences shape legislative decisions and impact the representation of constituents.

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Influencing Congress

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  1. Influencing Congress Who has the greatest influence on Congress: Voters, Parties, or Lobbyists?

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. President’s Influence • Television appearances can influence voters, which can then influence lawmakers • Supporting a legislator’s goals

  5. Interest Groups/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

  6. 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

  7. Pleasing Everyone? • Members of Congress vote thousands of times every session. • Every time they say yes or no they are making decisions that will effect millions of people. • Members pressure from everywhere… • Trying to support constituents, their political party, the president, and special interest groups (lobbyists)

  8. 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.

  9. 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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