Final answer:
Lobbyists and donors are active parts of PACs, with lobbyists exerting influence on legislative processes and donors providing the financial means. They operate within a regulated environment with transparency mandates. PACs participate in electioneering, advocacy, and other forms of political socialization to influence public policy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The active parts of political action committees (PACs) that seek to influence our legislatures include lobbyists and donors. Lobbyists are individuals who attempt to influence legislation and government decision-making on behalf of a group or organization. Donors are parties who provide financial support to political action committees. These groups hope to support candidates sympathetic to their views and gain access to them once they are in office. PACs and super PACs collect money from donors and distribute it to political groups that they support. Lawmakers often rely on information from interest groups and lobbyists about policy proposals and constituents' perceptions. Meanwhile, lobbyists also target the executive and judiciary branches to sway decisions in their favor. It's important to note that lobbyists and interest groups are regulated; they must register with the federal government and abide by certain laws, such as a waiting period when moving between lobbying and lawmaking positions.
Lobbyists' activities are regulated to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest. Regulations include disclosing contributions and adhering to certain activities that are prohibited by law. Additionally, the most important influence on political socialization is often considered to be the family, and interest groups utilize strategies like inside lobbying, outside lobbying, and ballot initiatives to influence government.