BUSINESS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
WORKING WITH LEGISLATORS

CD21 Outline                                                                     Course Structure Index

This course is designed to prepare students to work with legislators in pursuing the interests of business, government, and NGO's with special attention to trade‑related issues. An understanding and capability to deal with legislators, their assistants, and associates will be developed not only through the use of course materials/cases, but also by familiarization with the activities of major players in the relationship between the private and public sectors.

 The major objective of the course is to prepare the student to work with public officials, but more specifically with members of legislative bodies whether local, state, federal or foreign.

The topics covered in the module will include: description of key legislative bodies; the legislative process; motives, duties, and responsibilities of legislators; the supporting roles of staff and supporting government agencies and offices; the use of committees, councils, and research agencies; the various groups which attempt to influence legislators; the means of influencing the legislators; legal limits to monetary or other influences; PACs; and legislator relationships with the bureaucracy and the judiciary The topics in the course will be heavily weighted in terms of techniques and practices. Concepts will be brought forward when necessary to introduce actual activities.

In order to do this a heavy emphasis will be placed on student interaction with guest lecturers who are currently acting as legislators, legislative staff, lobbyists, and government relations executives from organized business groups and from corporations.

The course materials will be provided in the form of readings, instructor’s notes, and other material particularly targeted for this course. Current actual videos of committee hearings and other legislative process will be obtained if available

 Students will be graded on written materials, classroom participation, and perfonnance in negotiation simulation exercises. In addition, the student must be able to articulate how he/she would work with legislators with regard to specific issues.