Congress Member Influence Tactics Overview

Influencing the creation of things in congress and affecting federal legislation is a considerable challenge. Using certain people and different methods, governing the results of different codification can become increasingly simpler. Some of the readily understood techniques are; specialization, pork barrel legislation, logrolling, party leadership, media, and interest groups. These tactics can lead to a specific person or group, getting a majority vote on an issue they had a strong opinion on.

Beginning with the factor of specialization, finding a specific person or several persons who are skilled and informed in a fixed area can get the concerned assemblage necessary information about a topic. They could also be greatly respected in that area of expertise. They are qualified to make important decisions and give advice about their domain. Pork barrel legislation is “When a politician comes up for re-election, he or she has to be able to show their constituents that they've been acting in their interests.” (David Morrison). If a politician gives lots of financial aid to a certain cause, those voters who approve the cause will generally continue to support them and will re-elect them. Finding a legislator who has the financial vote of the public, because of pork-rolling, can be beneficial. They could use their positive influence to attempt to get their supporters to vote in favor.

Logrolling is neutral help and vote exchange among legislators. One congressman tells another that if they vote support of a topic then they will vote for something the other wants. A trade-off goes down in order for both sides to get what they want. When one politician needs more votes on a certain subject they may logroll several times in order to get enough votes to get their bill passed. Each Party’s Leadership is control of the relationship with the public. They focus on how the public could interpret the decisions made. If they do a good job then the general public will most likely see them as positive and vote for their ideals. When this happens, certain things can move through congress that were previously not possible.

The media can impact its audience’s views heavily. If a popular celebrity shares their political opinion via a social outlet, followers or fans could change their opinion. Politicians and people in power can also share their opinions and ideas through media, compelling certain individuals to change their ideals to match those they look up to. Interest groups use lobbyists to spread their propaganda or ethics in other governors. Lobbyists, being those who attempt to persuade others to vote for their ideals.

They could be hired or attempt to influence for their own gain. Either way, their cause could get some serious traction with legislators who are going to vote on the issue. Using different methods that have proven effective is a good way to influence other members of congress to get things that you want done, done. Passing bills and creating ideas and laws are some results that could be an outcome of specialization, logrolling, pork barreling, party leadership roles, media, and interest groups involvement. The approaches listed above have proven to be effective in the Legislative branch, when voting is necessary for an issue.