1. Critical Thinking Journals
Write down 1 law you would like changed or a new law you would like to be made and explain why you would like for it to happen

2. Influencing Congress
7.3 Notes

3. Influences on Lawmakers
Personal Beliefs
Beliefs on his/her constituents
Expert opinions
Political parties
Lobbyists
Other Congressman

4. Influence of Voters
What if there is a conflict between what should be done and what the people of his/her district want?
Most people say, “do what the people want.”
Most congressman do this
Most voters do not know how congressman vote
During Elections – voting record is used against them

5. Learning what the voters want
Congressman makes dozens of trips home per year
Mail
Questionnaires

6. Political Parties Party voting Importance of parties
Stronger in house than in senate
Strong on economy and social welfare
Weak on foreign policy and local projects (dams and water)
Importance of parties
Likely to share beliefs
Not informed on all issues
Party pressure

7. Other Influences President Interest Groups (Lobbyist)
The Spotlight = Public opinion
Interest Groups (Lobbyist)
Money
Voting sway
Information
Political Action Groups (PAGs)
Funded by corporations, labor unions, etc.