Lobyists Essay, Research Paper

It is only fair

Lobbyists, the very same people who influence Congress to pass many beneficial laws for the people, are also the public figures who are quoted to be ravenous and cynical. Lobbyists are any individuals or private interest groups that try to influence the decisions of the government. In the United States, lobbying has taken many forms. Sending letters to government officials is one type of lobbying, along with calling these representatives directly. Also, organizations may try to lobby representatives by sending them money and certain types of services. However, many of these methods have led to creating a negative image for lobbyists.

Many lobbyists work for large organizations that are trying to defeat a specific cause, for example Phillip Morris. The government is currently and has been trying to pass laws that would restrict the selling and using of tobacco products. Phillip Morris, make of Marlboro cigarettes, has obviously hired many lobbyists to challenge, even aggressively approach many legislators in order to change their opinion on any bill being passed through Congress that would in some way hurt Phillip Morris business. Other organizations that use lobbyists include Microsoft, AT&T, PP&L, and Sony. Many of these very large corporations that use lobbyists need to influence Congress in order to prevent detrimental bills to become law, which would enable the government to put restrictions on the financial interests of these firms. In the past however, lobbyists have been given a bad reputation.

Lobbyists were named as such because they had originated as journalists who would stand in the lobby of the House of Commons and wait to talk to legislators. Many of their tactics, however, have proved to be somewhat controversial. Bribery, which is the paying of money to an individual in order to get them to do something in retribution, is one of the many controversial ways in which lobbyists try to change legislation. Colt, a large gun manufacturer, had paid many Congressmen to change their views on legislation that would place restrictions on the selling of handguns. In the Credit Mobilier scandal of 1872, millions of federal dollars were given to representatives and senators instead of being given to the building of a transcontinental railroad. However, bribery has become very apparent in the legal system. In 1875, in the case of Trist vs. Child, a lobbyist went to the Supreme Court claiming that he had not been justly compensated for influencing legislation. The court denied payment to him on the basis that it was contrary to sound policy and good morals. Because lobbyists have used bribery and other poor tactics to influence legislation, bills such as the Public Utilities Holding Company Act and the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act have passed through Congress, now requiring all lobbyists to register in Congress and report the amount and the sources of their income. These bills only limit what lobbyists can do, but some individuals have gone even farther to a point of trying to get rid of lobbyists. Andrew Jackson was one of these men who tried to exterminate lobbyists. But even till this day, lobbyists are an essential part of the legal system. They not only dissuade Congressmen, but also bring to light many issues, which otherwise would be left unheard of. But because of using practices, which are against good morals they have surely been given a bad rap. And as long as there are interest groups in the U.S., many lobbyists will continue to face the penalties of speaking up for their cause, it is only fair.