Answer:
Interest groups and lobbyists can be controversial. They seek to push their agendas on those with political power. They hope to change laws and policies. Lobbyists influence government officials through their words and ideas. They also often use the power of money.
Some people view interest groups and lobbyists as having an unfair advantage. This is because average American voters do not use their money to influence government. Interest groups and lobbyists sometimes do. One way they do that is by supporting a political candidate for office. Running for any office costs a lot of money. Interest groups may donate money to a candidate. They will most likely expect that candidate to then support their ideas. Depending on your point of view, financially supporting political campaigns can be either an appropriate or inappropriate behavior.
Interest groups and lobbyists do have some limitations. They aren’t the ones directly in power. If they work in Washington, DC, lobbyists have to register with the House of Representatives and the Senate. They must say exactly what interest groups they represent. They must also share their salary information.
Lobbyists have to do a lot just to get their foot in the door. They need to make connections with important people. This is easier said than done. Some lobbyists might agree that working to influence government policies is a 24-hour-a-day job. They might also tell you that the time and effort are worth it, as long as they are successful in helping to shape laws and policies.
