LOBBYING
Types of Lobbying (Act of attempting to
influence govt officials
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Interest Group Lobbying – attempt to influence gov’t on
narrow, technical issues that are not well-publicized. This is
where they are most effective
Cooperative Lobbying – groups w/ similar purpose combining
their efforts (e.g., liberal interest groups to pass civil rights
legislation)
Grassroots Lobbying – Organizing lobbying efforts at the local
level
Functions of Lobbying
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Provide Information to Gov’t Officials
•
Experts on their issue
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Testify at Hearings
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Help write legislation (a “third” house of Congress)
Case for Lobbyists
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They provide useful information
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They provide a means for participation for people
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A “linking mechanism” between people and government. A “third
house of Congress.”
1st Amendment protection (FREE SPEECH)
As Madison points out in Federalist No. 10, the “remedy” of curing
the evils of faction by eliminating their causes is worse than the
disease. Potential loss of liberty is worse than the abuses of lobbyists
Case Against Lobbyists
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Rich and powerful interests are over-represented
Single issue lobbies, especially, contribute to political
polarization (because of narrow interests)
Lobbies contribute even further to diffusion of power,
making it even more difficult for gov’t to get things
done
National interest is sacrificed for narrow interest