Interest Groups and Lobbyists it

Interest Groups and Lobbyists

It is a matter of some concern to American citizens that the framers of the constitution did not discourage the formation of interest groups and the lobbyists who support such groups even though it tries to curb their powers so they will not dominate the legislature. An interest group is defined as, "…an association of individuals or organizations or a public or private institution that on the basis of one or more shared concerns attempts to influence public policy in its favor. . . . Together with political parties, interest groups are a major means by which people with similar interests and concerns are brought together and . . . their views articulated to government. Interest groups act as major intermediaries between citizens and the government by representing the views of their members to public officials, particularly between elections." (Thomas and Hrebenar p.102)

Lobbyists on the other hand support certain interests or "causes" and would try to influence the policy making process by contacting people in power. It is believed rather strange that the constitution doesn't completely discourage or ban such actions. It is thus important to know why the framers would allow interest groups and lobbyists to operate within the legislature furthering their own interests and objectives. "One of the primary instruments interest groups use to influence policy is the lobbying of legislators. Lobbying is the direct and private transfer of information to politicians in the legislature." (de Figueiredo, 2004)

The reason for the existence and protection of these groups is hidden in the many functions they perform that support the political system of our country. Interest groups inform the policymakers about important issues and how they are affecting the nation. They also educate the public on matters of grave significance and may even help in candidate recruitment process. These groups have also been funding political campaigns by forming political action committees.

It is also worth mentioning that when framers formed the constitution, interest groups were not as politically active as they are today. They had a different purpose of existence and hence they were not considered a threat. In those days groups with one common economic or social objective would get together for the purpose of educating others about some matter of importance. They would publish magazines, journals or distribute pamphlets. But over the years, these interest groups have gained power and thus changed form. They have become politically aware and active with strong inside connections which make them more of a threat than anything to the legislation process.

Interest groups however use lobbyists to further their interests. These lobbyists have access to policymakers and can thus act like a direct link between interest group and the legislature. But lobbyists do not have to be part of any interest group to exist. They can be any representative in the government who has an issue to promote and would exercise his power to support some cause, reform or policy decision.

There are some specific categories of lobbyists currently found in the political circle. The top of the group would be contract lobbyists who have the most information about a particular part of the political process and have close connections with policymakers in that area. They are the most threatening of all the lobbyists because of their sheer influence. They are hired by specific interest groups to further their interests. They are sought for their knowledge in their own interest area. For example education lobbyists are highly sought after for their power and influence in the field of education budget and reforms. They can easily find support for their interests and objectives in every local community. (Rosenthal, 1998, pp.208-209)

Government lobbyists on the other hand are regular federal or state employees connected with some specific agency and their job is to present their concerns and the concerns of their agency in the legislature. One of the primary ways that lobbyists and interest groups can indicate the level of interest is an issue is congressional testimony. Once an interest group has a representative in the Congress, that person can take part in the congressional testimony and speak on any issue of interest. The level of intensity with which it is debated also indicates public's interest in the topic. These testimonies can also act as a catalyst in generating interest as some believe that interest in an issue normally picks up intensity after a testimony and not before it. (Leech et al. 2005)