Lobbyism In American Government

Rafael Martinez

LA 160 U.S Government

Prof. Jackson

Lobbyists in American Government seems to be part of the system, for as long as I can

remember. How did it get its start how did it become as big machine where it spends billions on it's

agenda. Many groups from many backgrounds go to Capital Hill, and try to influence our politicians

into voting for their main interests. In this research paper I would like to explain part of the history of

lobbyists in American Government. I would explain how it become such a influence in American

politics, and if its a good thing or bad thing.

To see where lobbyist came to be part of American Government we have to go back into the end

of the American Revolutionary War. After winning
That sort of theme earned lobbyists a poor reputation. Walt Whitman called them the

“lousy combings and born freedom sellers of the earth.” (2009).

Businesses Figure out that they can use their wealth to influence policy makers. Another article

by Dave Ross titled “How Lobbying works” mirrors Greir article by stating the wealthy turn the tide of

a noble cause into something more insidious “The darkest days of lobbying came during America's

"Gilded Age," the period from the end of the Civil War until the close of the 19th century, when

wealthy industrialists and huge new corporations ruled the American economic and political

landscape.”(2012).

Ross also brings us one of the biggest scandals where the public had its eyes open to the corruption that lobbyists where bringing to Washington he states“It took a huge scandal, known as the Credit Mobilier affair, to expose the widespread bribes and corrupt tactics employed by the railroad lobby to buy the political favors of congressmen. Sadly, the transcontinental railroad, which should have been a symbol of American ingenuity, was the result of corporate fat cats and corrupt politicians making themselves rich on the backs of the American taxpayer.”(2012, pg
By then, lobbying had taken on a recognizably modern shape, with membership associations organized by industry, and diverse lobbying firms composed of lawyers and former Hill aides.”(2009). Ross article also states agrees with Grier's in how Congress tried to make sure that corruption is kept in check “In recent years, Congress has imposed increasingly strict limits on the activities of registered lobbyists. Gifts of any kind or value are pretty much forbidden. Not only must registered lobbyists file quarterly reports detailing the contacts they made with elected officials, but they must disclose how much money they were paid to do it. Registered lobbyists are also required to file semiannual reports listing any contributions made to elected officials or political campaigns. While these requirements are a step in the right direction, critics say, they are ineffective if so few practicing lobbyists are required to register under the current legal definitions.”(2009). Despite that efforts of Congressmen we can see many people still feel is not enough to combat wealthy lobbyists groups many feel that that they can still influence members of Congress one way or