The Pros And Cons Of Lobbyists As A Tool Discussion Paper

The Pros And Cons Of Lobbyists As A Tool Discussion Paper

Lobbying is certainly the best-known, and perhaps the oldest, interest group tactic.  According to Brown et al. (2021), lobbyists are individuals who are hired by interest groups.  These individuals try to influence government decision-makers on behalf of special interest groups.  Lobbying is usually directed at the lawmaking process and legislators, but can also occur within state agencies.

The use of lobbyists by interest groups is advantageous because lobbying can have an intense impact on the outcome of public policies, and subsequently, on the living standards and well-being in standards. By sharing evidence, legitimate needs, and expertise, interest groups can offer governments valuable data and insights on which governments can base their public policies. This can assist policy makers to understand trade-offs and options, and can ultimately lead to better policies.   For example, lobbying to increase childcare services, improve road safety,  or strengthen environmental standards can benefit the entire society (OECD, 2021)The Pros And Cons Of Lobbyists As A Tool Discussion Paper.

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Although lobbying has its benefits, the abuse of lobbyist practices, like manipulation of public opinion, unjustifiable influence through deceptive or covert evidence, or monopoly of influence by special interest groups, can lead to suboptimal policies and outcomes.  In some instances, the politically and financially powerful might exert a monopoly of interest, at the expense of interest groups with fewer resources (OECD, 2021).

Former members of Congress should be allowed to become lobbyists because they have the skills and knowledge to influence current legislators. Their relationships with other congressional employees, experience writing legislation, and knowledge of the issues offer them an exceptional skillset when they depart public service.   Strickland (2020) posits that revolving-door lobbyists, who leave governmental positions and became lobbyists for private entities have political knowledge and insider connections that give their clients superior policy influence The Pros And Cons Of Lobbyists As A Tool Discussion Paper.

References

Brown, L., Langenegger, J. A., & Garcia, S. (2021). Practicing Texas Politics. Cengage Learning.

OECD. (2021). Lobbying in the 21st Century Transparency, Integrity and Access. OECD Publishing.

Strickland, J. M. (2020). The Declining Value of Revolving-Door Lobbyists: Evidence from the American States. American Journal of Political Science, 64(1), 67-81. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajps.12485 The Pros And Cons Of Lobbyists As A Tool Discussion Paper