The Effect of Lobbying on Public Opinion (1470 words)

Research into action
You have done sufficient research at this time to become familiar with the facts and prevailing positions on this public policy issue. In this Section, you will prepare a manuscript that presents both sides of the argument on your selected issue.
Required Reading:
Seitel, F. P. (2011). Chapters 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Paper- The effect of lobbying on public opinion
Evaluating the Effect of Lobbying on Public Opinion
The issues of lobbying at the national and local levels and their impact on public opinion are variable. In Activity 5 you must conduct research on the practice of lobbying and how it influences the public process.
Write a memorandum to a political candidate that addresses the following questions:
1. How does the practice of lobbying affect the public process?
2. Do the views of lobbyists reflect public opinion? Why or why not?
3. Provide examples of successful lobbying efforts.
Length: 3-5 pages (app. 350 words per page)
Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts that are presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards.

This material may consist of step-by-step explanations on how to solve a problem or examples of proper writing, including the use of citations, references, bibliographies, and formatting. This material is made available for the sole purpose of studying and learning - misuse is strictly forbidden.

Lobbying has a long history in United States politics. Professional lobbyists influence politicians, usually legislators, by advocating for a particular position, and will do favors in the hope of influencing politicians to act favorably towards the special interest groups the lobbyists represent. Others are lobbyists when an issue is important to them, often on a volunteer basis. Most are professionals. In the period from 2008 to 2012, lobbyists spent $3.3 - $3.6 billion a year influencing the government on issues ranging from healthcare to tax reform to international trade. (OpenSecrets.org (2013))
Lobbyists affect the political process in a number of ways. They bring their clients’ concerns to the attention of legislators. Lobbies representing health insurers were very active during the drafting of the Patient Privacy and Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) and guided Congress to the final version of the bill. Lobbyists also fund public information campaigns. The National Rifle Association is one of the largest lobbies, and they have funded many advertisements for gun rights.
In some cases, lobbyists influence the judicial branch by submitting amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs on specific issues. Lobbyists can also visit with the President or Governors of the states, but this happens much less than in the cases of legislators.
Members of Congress and the Senate rely on lobbyists for information about issues...