Have you ever wondered how decisions are made in the U.S. government? 🤔 Well, money plays a big role! Let’s dive into how cash can influence politics and what that means for all of us.
What's Lobbying? 🏛️
Lobbying is when people called lobbyists talk to government officials to persuade them to make laws or decisions that benefit a certain group or industry. It's like trying to convince your teacher to let the class have a pizza party! 🍕
Big Money in the Aviation Industry ✈️
In 2023, the aviation industry (that's airplanes and airlines) spent over $100 million on lobbying! That means they paid lobbyists to talk to government officials about things that could help their business.
There were 1,018 lobbyists working for the aviation industry, and guess what? About 65% of them used to work for the government! That means they have inside knowledge and connections. 🤝
Why Does This Matter? 🤨
When companies spend lots of money on lobbying, they can have a big influence on laws and policies. This might not always be fair to everyone else.
Dale, who works in marketing in Los Angeles, says, "American politics is heavily influenced by where the money is and where the money is going."
What Can We Do? 🌟
It’s important to learn about how our government works. By staying informed, we can make better choices when we’re old enough to vote! 🗳️
Remember, knowing is empowering! Keep asking questions and stay curious. 💡
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
