United States Politics
Describe two elements of the electoral system as it exists in the United States. Explain why a knowledge of how groups and individuals influence politics and elections is critical to understanding how they function.
Lobbying refers to the use of professional bodies to influence members of Congress and other officials in the government. Lawyers and advocates make a lot of money from organizations that are concerned with promoting issues that are of interest to them and the people they represent. In the United States electoral system, companies, industry associations, and special interest groups spend money on lobbying to bring forward their interests to legislators (Opensecrets 1). Such groups seek to reap benefits from passing legislation that is in their favor.
Funding in elections is a controversial and prominent issue in elections of the United States. Evaluating campaign finance in elections is crucial as it influences the sources of campaign funds, the spending of such resources, as well as how funding affects the votes that candidates get during the elections. Further, it is crucial to determine how political funding affects decision-making after elections. This is because groups that contribute significant amounts of funds to elections may ask for favors after the candidate is in a legislative position.
Understanding lobbying and funding is crucial in the election process since the two elements influence the decision-making process after elections. Knowledge of the functioning of these groups and individuals enhances the ability of citizens and voters to call out legislative decisions that may be undermining the interest of citizens while promoting the needs of other groups. Gaining information about who is influencing the legislative process in the nation is crucial to calling out cases of poor decision making among legislators who may be influenced by the money.
What is the role of public opinion in facilitating political change? Why is it critical to understand politics or political life?
Public opinion is essential in democracies today. Decisions involving changes in policy depend on public opinion to be brought forward so that the leaders can take the steps necessary to bring such change. Since different communities face different challenges, public opinion ensures that the specific needs of the population are established, and the process of policy change started to help the community achieve the change that they need. Public opinion is, therefore, crucial in bringing out the issues facing different groups and individuals so that the right political processes can be undertaken to bring the change.
Voting is an essential way through which public opinion can be expressed. Through the election process, citizens can express their wishes about the political leaders and brand of change they want to see. Any form of policy change that will happen through political leaders is a result of the decisions that members of the public make at the ballot. By voting, public opinion is used to facilitate change and lead to better policies that benefit the nation.
Understanding politics is essential in bringing change in the election process. Individuals who understand the political process are capable of making credible decisions that enhance policy-making. Comparatively, those who do not recognize political life may easily be swayed by leaders who do not have their interests at heart but are rather focused on personal gratification. Participation in public opinion also improves as individuals learn more about politics, which leads to better political decisions and improved living standards for all citizens.
Works Cited
OpenSecrets. Influence & Lobbying. Opensecrets.org. 2020. Retrieved from https://www.opensecrets.org/influence/