Final answer:
The pattern of lobbying expenditures by the Chamber of Commerce is influenced by the power and influence of lobbying groups in shaping policies and protecting the interests of wealthy individuals, corporations, and industries. Lobbying groups write bills and promote them to lawmakers, often favoring a small group at the expense of others. The rise in lobbying expenditures reflects the increasing influence of interest groups in the political process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pattern of lobbying expenditures by the Chamber of Commerce can be best explained by the influence and power that lobbying groups have in shaping policies. Wealthy individuals, corporations, and industries use lobbying groups to directly influence policy-making to protect their interests. Lobbying groups write bills and promote them to lawmakers, promoting laws that may favor a small group of people or corporations at the expense of others. These lobbying groups also provide funding for congressional campaigns, which can be seen as a form of bribery. The rise of lobbying expenditures reflects the increasing influence of interest groups in the political process.