-Explain in greater detail what lobbying is and how it impacts the policy process from problem identification to agenda setting to policy implementation.

-Critics argue that lobbyists have undue influence on the political process in the United States.  Explain their reasoning behind this concern.

-Do you think lobbying is a fair process and should be a part of the American political process?

-Select one of the organizations or corporations from the Center for Responsive Politics list of top spenders on lobbying in 2015.  Why would this organization/corporation employ a lobbyist?  What is the benefit to the organization/corporation?  Do you think this process is controversial?  Why or why not?

REQUIRED ARTICLE:

Chang, A.  (2013, November 11).  When Lobbyists Literally Write the Bill (Links to an external site.).  National Public Radio.  Retrieved from: http://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2013/11/11/243973620/when-lobbyists-literally-write-the-bill