1. Today: Lobbying – One Way the Government Hears From Us
12/10//12 BR- What are some ways that we can tell our government what we want them to do? (laws to pass, actions to take)
Today: Lobbying – One Way the Government Hears From Us

2. Set Up Answer the bellringer.
We tend to think that most laws and government actions come from letters from concerned people. This isn’t entirely true.
So, where does the government get the ideas to do the things it does?

3. Alex’s Dilemma
Read the short story and answer on your bellringer page.
Who is the primary (main) decision maker that could give Alex a higher allowance?
Let’s say that Alex simply asks his father for a higher allowance and his father flat out says “No Way!” and refuses to talk to Alex about it. What else could Alex do to try and convince his father?
Who could Alex talk to that might help convince his father to listen?

4. Lobbying: An Activity designed to influence another person
Pick up the “Lobbying: The Basics” handout. Look at the different ways that lobbying occurs.
View the video clip
You will learn about two forms of lobbying in the U.S.
Organized people – groups of ordinary people who work together to contact their representatives
Organized money – lobbying firms or companies that are hired to lobby government based on a person’s (or company’s) interest

5. Interest Group: an organized group of people or organizations who come together with the aim of influencing a political decision without being elected

6. Organized People Exit Slip (or Homework) Why was MADD successful?
Lets read the story about Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Exit Slip (or Homework)
Why was MADD successful?
Did MADD use money or people to win its policy success?
Do you think this success could be replicated by other organizations fighting for public policy (government action)? Why or why not?