Question

Using examples, explain how individuals and groups influence public policy. I'm thinking that people can speak out and voice their opinions? Can't they do something like lobby the legislatures too?

Answer 1

Public policy, being the way political aims are implemented are influenced at the most fundamental way by voting. The one who wins the largest number of votes gets to implement the policies based on political promises made and so voters who agree that the approach is appropriate to their philosophies, will vote for that individual.

That's one way.

You mentioned lobbies. They are usually funded by special organizations that have certain policy biases or political philosophies. For example, the insurance industry might want to have lobbies to influence public policy with the aim of influencing legislatures to remove restrictions or have less regulation, in general. Political Action Committees (PACs) might do the same or be purely political in nature and lobby congress to act in ways that further their agendas.

Those are 2 important ways that individuals and groups influence public policy.

Does that help?

Answer 2

thank you!