Version vom 28. Oktober 2008, 16:37 Uhr

A lobbyist is someone who wants to influence lawmakers and thus influence laws.
lobbyists also represent voters.
they invite lawmakers to expensive restaurants, on holiday trips etc.
they provide lots of information concerning e.g. new laws and the people's attitudes
they sometimes use forms of political blackmailing

Pros and Cons of Lobbies and PACs activities

money for campaigns and (financial) support for a party/candidate
people can participate in the government and influence politics, as lobbyists help to condense individual interests into concepts which are taken up by lawmakers
attention on things, which are important for the nation / politicians know the interests of the people
convinces politicians are conviced into listening to the people who are represented by PACs and lobbyists
lobbyists provide lawmakers with necessary information

distracts politicians and keeps them from doing their job
can lead to corruption ("A golden key can open any door.")
political influence may mainly depend on money that is used by PACS
special interests with a powerful/well-organized lobby may gain too much influence
single lobbyists may gain too much personal influence

@@ Zeile 27: / Zeile 27: @@
 * can lead to corruption ("A golden key can open any door.")
 * political influence  may mainly depend on money that is used by PACS
-* special interests with a powerful/well organized lobby may gain too much influence
+* special interests with a powerful/well-organized lobby may gain too much influence
+* single lobbyists may gain too much personal influence
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