Discuss how they are pushing their agenda (i.e., mechanisms used to influence policy makers), key obstacles, and spending (consult the Center for Responsible Politics, www.opensecrets.org)
Investigate the interest groups website and review their position statements, testimony, and consult media reports to obtain more information on the groups lobbying efforts.
Emergency Nurses Association
Full Answer Section
- Explore the following sections:
- Lobbying: This section details the amount the group spends on lobbying activities and the issues they lobby on.
- Contributions: This shows how much money the group contributes to political campaigns.
- Expenditures: This shows how the group spends its money, including lobbying activities.
- News & Analysis: This section highlights recent media coverage of the group's lobbying efforts.
3. Explore the Interest Group's Website:
- Once you identify the group, find their official website.
- Look for sections on:
- Issue Advocacy: This section may explain the group's positions on various policy issues.
- Legislative Affairs: This section may detail the group's lobbying efforts, including ongoing campaigns and past successes.
- Testimony/Reports: Some groups publish their testimonies before Congress or regulatory bodies on their website.
4. Consult Media Reports:
- Search for news articles about the interest group's lobbying efforts. You can use terms like "[group name] lobbying" or "[group name] advocacy."
- Look for articles from reputable news sources that discuss the group's specific tactics and their impact on policy decisions.
By following these steps, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of how an interest group pushes its agenda, the obstacles they face, and their financial resources dedicated to lobbying.
Remember:
- Be critical of the information you find. Consider the source and potential bias.
- Look for evidence to support your conclusions about the group's lobbying efforts.
Sample Answer
1. Identify the Interest Group:
- Think about the policy area you're interested in (e.g., healthcare, gun control, environment).
- Identify prominent interest groups involved in that area.
2. Use OpenSecrets.org:
- Go to https://www.opensecrets.org/.
- Enter the name of the interest group in the search bar.