Lobbyists use a variety of techniques to advance their agendas and perusade lawmakers. Perhaps one reason why so many people have a problem with lobbyists is because they so often operate behind closed doors. Once they are given access to a legislator, lobbyists use all the powers of persuasion to convince him or her to support or, at least, not oppose the interest group’s policy positions.
How do lobbyists get the attention of government officials they are attempting to influence? Examine this list of tactics that lobbyists tend to use.
| Control the game | Lobbyists must be adept at steering conversations away from arguments they can't win and on to arguments they can win. |
| Leverage media | It's crucial for lobbyists to learn to use the press for their own purposes by issuing carefully crafted and tightly controlled messages and also by knowing when to avoid the media. |
| Create a following | A corporation or interest group can't be the only one making its client's case to legislators, so lobbyists must know how to gather a critical mass of voices eager to amplify their message. |
| Stop the opposition | Lobbyists need government officials to listen to their own message while ignoring counterarguments coming from groups who oppose that message. |
| Master the web | Lobbyists try to control perceptions of an issue by flooding the internet with positive information that supports their message. They may even create fake blogs for clients and try to trick search engines. |
| Gain access |
Lobbyists need access to politicians, but access doesn't always equal influence. The best way to ensure positive influence on a politician is to hire the politicians' friends, ex-employees, or colleagues. |
| Offer a job | Government employees could be influenced by the promise of future employment--typically, as a lobbyist. There is a lot of money in lobbying, and many government employees switch to lobbying as a career. |
Use the activity below to review what you have learned. Decide whether each tactic mentioned is an approach that lobbyists would use to gain access or influence.
Offer employment.
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Close loopholes.
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Create followers.
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Control internet messages.
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Coerce and bribe.
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Spin the media.
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Threaten to sue.
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Lobbyists generally avoid aggressive, intimidating, and illegal tactics. You got # out of # correct. Click the Retry button for another attempt.
Lobbyists generally avoid aggressive, intimidating, and illegal tactics. You got a perfect score. Great job!
