do lobbyist negatively influence the legislative branch?

Answer 1

no. it is popular to bash lobbyists (even among members of congress and the administration), but the truth is, many things in your life would not be the same without them. every industry, every company, every association, has a lobbyist or lobbying firm. these are highly trained people who know how the legislative process works and work hard for their constituencies.

for example, a few years ago, i worked hard to help pass a bill that would require builders to adhere to more rigorous codes when building less than 100 miles from a coast. most people wouldn't disagree that sturdier houses are a bad thing. this particular bill would not have passed without lobbyists. most builders are in their business to make as much money as they can and to build houses where people want to live. this means build cheaply near water. we all know that hurricanes and mobile homes are not a good combination. but lobbyists helped congress to see what could be done to help. members of congress and their staffs cannot be expected to be experts on hundreds of different issues. lobbyists are these experts.

there are instances where lobbyists are responsible for negative action on the part of legislators. the whole abramoff scandal is proof of this. jack abramoff represents a minute percentage of the lobbying community. most lobbyists are hard working people who believe deeply in the issues they're fighting for.

Answer 2

yes and no. recent scandals cast negative light on the so called fourth branch. it is true, the majority of lobbying activity portrayed in the media is based on large corporations, looking to throw their weight around to keep or obtain more power.
but at the same time there lobbyists working for human rights, civil rights, health care and various other socially acceptable causes. i am waiting to hear about a legislative assistant at the American Cancer Society here in NH, and their primary focus for the 2007 legislative session is to pass a bill making smoking in restaurants illegal here in New Hampshire. just taking that example, alot of people will say that is a good bill due to smoking's health issues, but on the other hand, people will disagree with the bill because it allows and promotes government infringement on liberty.

i know this may be a controversial example since many other states have passed similar bills, but it was right in front of me.

i wrote this fast before heading to the lib for finals, let me know if i need to clarify any of my thoughts.

Answer 3

Jack Abramoff, NRA, "Israel lobbies" AIPAC, AARP, NEA, massive Oil, massive prescription drugs, massive Alcohol, massive charge playing cards, something it truly is massive has a lobbying crew in Washington & some do good issues and some do very undesirable issues yet base line is the articifical influnce lobbyists have over our Congresspeople (who're in problem-free words assume to do what the their consitutuents choose them to do no longer a slick lobbyist/salesclerk wining and eating them to get them to vote the way they choose them too) corupts US authorities. And contained in relation to the "Israel lobbies" they could be able to & do settle on the end result persons elections and they have such impact over US overseas coverage contained in the Mideast that they virtually run it.

Answer 4

I guess it depends on if you agree or disagree with what the lobbyist is asking for. I think most people think of tobacco and firearms when they think of lobbyist but there are lobbyist for healthcare and civilrights issues as well.

Answer 5

We'll see if Nancy will be able to fix it....and to add about some of the other answers, politics has always been about money and power, not the people and not just the present.

Answer 6

They are the biggest problem with our government today. Its all about money and power. Not what is right for the American people. And until we put in term limits, it will stay that way.

Answer 7

Yes, because their influence is based on cash and access and not the rightness or wrongness of their views. It's bartering.

Answer 8

absolutely!!thats why we have the trouble we have now!!! politics by special interests not politics for the people!

Answer 9

NO! EEERRRRGGGHHHHHHHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!