Google is planning a venture-capital division, to be headed by David Drummond, company SVP and chief legal officer.

Can Google maintain the company motto - “Don’t be evil” - while building a powerful lobbying machine?

That’s just one of the challenges facing the internet giant. Another is Microsoft, a competitor not only on the web, but in the courts and the halls of Congress.

The Federal Trade Commission today approved Google’s $3.1 acquisition of DoubleClick, clearing the way for tremendous growth in the company’s online advertising revenues.

Microsoft and consumer privacy organizations had opposed the deal, arguing that it would create an advertising monopoly.

Execs from Google and Microsoft are scheduled to appear before the Senate today to argue the merits of Google’s proposed acquisition of DoubleClick.

Google announced the $3.1 billion deal in April, but the plan requires approval of the Federal Trade Commission and regulators abroad.