Elected officials are concerned about the issues that affect voters. Federal employees are accountable to Congress, so they, too, must try to be responsive to citizens' needs, or risk reprimand from Congress. For these reasons, citizens can have a lot of power in influencing Washington politics. If Congress or a federal agency hears from enough citizens about a particular issue, their concerns can counteract the opinions expressed by the most highly funded D.C. lobbyist. Rules limiting gifts to elected officials further level the playing field.
Some people do more, others do less.
If you're curious about the issues C-ACT members have recently been involved in, please see our Advocacy Alert Digest. Elected officials read and respond to issues in their local newspapers.