Lobbying policymakers directly is the preferred method of influencing the process. Many interest groups hire specialized lobbying firms or retain lobbyists on their staff to help gain access to key decision-makers. With their vast network of contacts and intricate knowledge of the political process, former legislators and staff members typically make the best lobbyists
Sometimes, interest groups will work through third parties to influence legislators and shape public policy. One of the most commonly used indirect techniques is constituent lobbying, whereby members of an organization write, phone, and e-mail legislators to communicate their concerns. When done correctly, this type of grassroots lobbying can be extremely effective because it demonstrates the size, intensity, and political savvy of an interest group — something elected officials monitor closely.

Conservative
Prefer smaller government, less regulation, most services to be provided by the private sector in a free market, and a literal interpretation of the Constitution. Government should tax less and spend less. Cutting spending to balance the budget should be the priority. Higher income earners should have an incentive to invest (credits). Charity is the responsibility of the people. Opposed to gay marriage, abortion and embryonic stem cell research. Support the right to bear arms, death penalty, and personal responsibility as an individual.
LIBERAL
Prefer more regulation and services like free universal health care to be provided by the government to all citizens. Government should provide more services to the less fortunate (like health care) and increase taxes if necessary. High-income earners should pay a larger percentage of their income as taxes. Gay couples to get equal rights like everyone else (e.g. marriage); abortion should be legal; support embryonic stem cell research. Support restrictions and regulation around the right to bear arms.

The two key weeknesses of the articles of the confederation was The national government could not force the states to obey its laws and It did not have the power to tax. The 5fundamental principels of the constitution were Popular Sovereignty- The idea that the government's authority comes from the people Limited Government -The government is limited in the way they can act by the Constitution.Restricts Government power Seperation of Powers- the division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government to ensure that there's no concentration and abuse of power seperate jobs of branches Checks and Balances- Allows branches of government to restrain eachothers powers Federalism- division of power between the national and state governments

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