Lobbyists
A lobbyist is someone who advocates for certain interests to, or lobbies, legislators. Universities, charities, unions, and businesses all employ lobbyists to represent their interests in Washington. Much of lobbying is teaching about one's pet issues. Anyone can lobby Members of Congress, but only those who do it for pay are considered lobbyists and must register their names and clients with the government.
What a lobbyist does
Slate has two pieces that portray the role of a lobbyist in different lights. This piece portrays lobbyists as helpers of congressional staffs who quietly give information and advice that is helpful to both the staff and the client. This piece portrays a lobbyists as almost expecting a quid pro quo when they contribute to political campaigns.
Find out more about lobbying and lobbyists
- OpenSecrets.org breaks down money spent on lobbying by industry, lobbying firm, and lobbyists' clients
- Politico carries news about lobbying
Advocates of prohibiting lobbyists from contributing to campaigns believe...
Even if a campaign contribution from a lobbyist doesn't buy influence, it creates the appearance of impropriety because the business of lobbyists is to sway legislators.
History of lobbying
One legend has it that the term "lobby" came into use when the English people would go to a lobby outside the House of Commons in order to persuade Members of Parliament to legislate in their favor. Read other legends here.
The right to petition the government for a redress of grievances is guaranteed in the United States by the First Amendment. For a history of lobbying in the United States since the 18th century, click here.
Lobbyists get a bad reputation because of criminal acts by some corrupt lobbyists like Jack Abramoff. However, lobbyists can do a lot of good by educating Congress about important issues. Change Congress is most concerned with reforming the gray area, where lobbyists act legally, but they exert undue influence.
