The Business of Lobbying

1.5 Credits · Level: Graduate

The Business of Lobbying: How Public Policy is Really Formed on Pennsylvania Avenue in our nation’s capital will critically examine American politics and government through the prism of interest group participants to reveal how public policy formulated in our nation’s capital impacts business interests around the country. Particular emphasis and attention will be focused upon the policies and procedures of the House of Representatives, the United States Senate and the Executive Branch of government as well as the lobbyists and political interest groups. Many of the decisions made by business leaders today are highly influenced by actions taken – or not taken – in Washington, D.C. For example, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care act stipulates that a full time worker is engaged in the workforce 30 hours a week. Should an employer curb employee participation to elude this mandate and resulting costs? Similarly, the sweeping Dodd-Frank financial services reform package dictates how businesses may conduct their activities and has a wide ranging impact on our domestic and international commerce as corporations seek to avoid penalties of noncompliance while still driving growth and the bottom line. Today’s business leaders and our leaders of the future must understand the linkage between business and politics and how to effectively and legally influence decisions and regulations that help them compete and win in the marketplace. Moreover, course participants will engage in a thorough and in-depth examination of new interest group participants such as “527” advocacy groups and “Super PAC” groups that have emerged early in the 21st century in light of the Citizens United decision. Students will also explore and analyze the impact of political contributions in recent federal elections along with Congressional and Presidential efforts to reform and refine the campaign contribution system. The course will combine significant analytical analysis of current political science scholarship on the role and influence of interest group politics along with firsthand insights and observations gleaned by the instructor’s substantive experience at the highest levels on Capitol Hill, the White House and as a practicing strategic advocate. The course will be taught in a traditional seminar format with active participation required by each student.