Representative Democracy Essay #21

a) Two provisions in the Bill or Rights that protect individuals who try to influence policy are: "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." The next provision is: "... the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" are two things people do to try to influence politics. Speech and the press are two other things that can be used for that purpose.

b) Grass Roots Lobbying- The term grass roots implies that a group or organization originates from or maintains close connections with significant numbers of ordinary citizens or citizen leaders. A grass roots campaign, for instance, seeks to mobilize ordinary citizens to take part in an election campaign or a cause involving an important issue.

Lobbying- Trying to influence decision makers. Interest groups use lobbying as a tactic to pursue the interests of their members, but individuals, too, can lobby. Lobbying can be done directly or indirectly, and can be aimed at any branch or level of government.

Litigation- Generally, bringing a lawsuit against an individual or organization. Interest groups use litigation as a tactic to pursue the interests of their members.

c) One specific federal governmental regulation is that lobbyists are required to register with the clerk of the House and the secretary of the Senate and indicate what group they are representing.

 http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap10_us_govt_politics_q1.pdf