Discussion
If references are required please use chapters and websites that are given

For this discussion, read this article When Lobbyists Literally Write the Bill and review the Center for Responsive Politics list of top spenders on lobbying in 2015. Next, address the following:

http://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2013/11/11/243973620/when-lobbyists-literally-write-the-bill

https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/top.php?showYear=2015&indexType=s

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?

Your initial post should be at least 300 words in length. Support your points with scholarly references, appropriate citations, and full references at the conclusion of your post. Cite your sources in APA format. Review several of your classmates' posts, and then, provide a substantive response to at least two of your classmates by Day 7. What, if any, additional information would you recommend to increase their understanding of policy adoption and the lobbying process?

jounrnal

For your journal entry, you will explore aspects of your personal experience and/or beliefs regarding significant public policies and what you have learned in your readings. For this journal assignment review the following resources:

Rebecca Onie: What if our healthcare system kept us healthy?

http://www.ted.com/talks/rebecca_onie_what_if_our_healthcare_system_kept_us_healthy

Health Reform Hits Main Street: The YouToons Explain the New Health Law.

http://kff.org/health-reform/video/health-reform-hits-main-street/

Illustrating Health Care Reform: How Health Insurance Coverage Will Work.

http://kff.org/health-reform/

As you reflect on these resources, please address the following questions:

What are the major current healthcare issues and policies in the United States today?

What is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - 2010? How did this policy change the health care system in the United States?

Describe one strength and one weakness of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - 2010.

How are you affected by healthcare policies in the United States? If you are not affected, why not?

What were your thoughts on the healthcare system in the United States prior to this week's readings?

How has your perspective been either reinforced or changed now that you are more informed?

The purpose of the journal activity is to allow you to thoroughly reflect upon what you have learned during this course, particularly this week, and to provide you with an opportunity to relate this what you have learned this week to your own experiences. The reflective journal is not a formal written assignment. However, you are expected to adhere to conventional rules of grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation while focusing on clearly conveying your thoughts.