Lobbying Midterm Flashcards
What is lobbying?
The act of influencing government decisions or actions to enact, amend, or repeal legislation
What is the primary goal of lobbying?
To influence government decisions in favor of a particular interest
How do interest groups use inside and outside strategies?
-They use inside strategies by directly interacting with policymakers
-They use outside strategies by mobilizing public opinion to put pressure on policymakers
What are some common criticisms of lobbying?
When lobbyists have too much influence, they can manipulate decision-making processes and can benefit well-funded groups leading to regulatory capture
What legal restrictions exist to regulate lobbying?
-Disclosure laws
-Restrictions on gifts and payments
-Registration requirements
What is public policy?
A system of laws and actions by the government to address societal issues
What distinguishes public policy from private decision-making?
Public policy is enforced by governmental institutions while private decision-making are voluntary and specific to the individual making them
How do interest groups influence public policy?
-Lobbying
-Awareness public affairs
-Monitor public agencies and officials
What role do bureaucracies play in policymaking?
Implementing and regulating laws passed through Congress
How do courts influence public policy?
They make decisions through judicial review and interpretation of laws
What are some constraints on public policy?
-Economic limitations
-Political pressures
-Legal restrictions
-Budget limitations
What is the political agenda?
The set of issues that are the focus of public debate
How do crises affect the political agenda?
They create urgency and push issues to the forefront of policymaking
What is Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Model?
A tool used to understand the policy process and agenda sitting through problems, policy, and politics
How do interest groups shape the agenda?
They engage in competition to set the agenda and promote their political interests
Why do some issues fail to make it onto the agenda?
What role does media play in agenda-setting?
-Lack of public awareness
-Opposition from powerful interest groups
-Insufficient political pressure
What is neopluralism?
A form of political representation on advocacy by interest groups
What is the exchange theory?
A theory that explains how politicians trade policy support for electoral benefits
How does neopluralism differ from classic pluralism?
Neopluralism acknowledges that power within a political system is not evenly distributed among interest groups
What does exchange theory suggest about policymaking?
Policymaking is a process of negotiation and bargaining, and politicians engage in these exchanges for policy consideration
What criticisms exist of exchange theory?
-Overemphasis on individual self-interest
-Difficulty in accurately measuring subjective “costs” and “rewards”
How do corporations leverage exchange theory in lobbying?
They provide funding and research in exchange for policies in favor to them
What are regulatory agencies?
Bodies of government responsible for enforcing regulations and laws
