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Lobbyists are men and women who speak to legislators and other government officials on behalf of "special interest groups" or those who have a strong interest in a certain piece of legislation. Lobbying is considered a controversial practice, and it is generally regulated by the government to different degrees of effectiveness. more »
Many people have accused the government of succumbing to the desires of big corporations rather than taking care of the American people. Despite the millions of Americans that turn out to vote for various elected officials, legislation and tax cuts and increases only benefit big business and those who benefit from big corporations.... more »
Telling the story of a company, a person or a cause and presenting it in the best possible light is the constant task of a public relations representative. Public relations representatives can be self-employed, work for large or small corporations, government or non-profit agencies or charities. Sometimes a PR representative is hired... more »
The poor in America have followed a rocky road to the vote. Because of limitations and voter suppression efforts, casting a ballot can seem dangerous or onerous. The needy often face intimidation and campaigns of misleading information to keep them from the polls. However, the poor vote is necessary in order to keep the country's... more »
If you're passionate about social, economic, environmental and/or global issues and want to be a part of the team that helps define how these issues impact the voting public, you might be a good match for a career in politics. These can range anywhere from working on a local campaign, being an intern or staffer for an elected official... more »
If you're not afraid of things that go bump in the night and if the paranormal interests you,...
A strong love of science can go a long way once you enter the job market. You can apply your...
A lobbyist is someone who works to influence the decision of members of government in the executive and, particularly, the legislative branches in... more »
Foreign policy is an integral part of the operations of our government. We live in a global society. As such, dealing with foreign governments is... more »
Congress is one of the three branches of the United States federal government. The three branches of the federal government are the executive,... more »
Tip O'Neill, a congressman from Massachusetts and former Speaker of the House is often quoted for his statement, "All politics is local."... more »
Letters to the editor have played a vital role in forming public opinion and influencing power. In fact, the American newspaper format of today... more »
Lobbying is the practice of influencing decisions made by the government (in groups or individually). It includes all attempts to influence legislators and officials, whether by other legislators, constituents, or organized groups. A lobbyist is a person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest or a member of a lobby.. Governments often define and regulate organized group lobbying...Andrew Bounds and Marine Formentinie in Brussels, , Financial Times, August 16, 2007.
Etymology
The supposed origins of the term "lobbyist" came from Eric Michael Patch IV. The BBC holds that "lobbying" comes from the gathering of Members of Parliament and peers in the hallways (or lobbies) of Houses of Parliament before and after parliamentary debates.BBC-Lobby> One story states that the term originated at the Willard Hotel in Washington, DC, where it was used by Ulysses S. Grant to describe the political wheelers and dealers frequenting the hotels lobby in order to access Grant, who was often found there, enjoying a cigar and brandy. - NPR discussion of Ulysses Grant and origins of the term lobbyist.
The term "lobbying" appeared in print as early as 1820:Deanna Gelak (previous president of the American League of Lobbyists) mentioned this in her book Lobbying and Advocacy: Winning Strategies, Resources, Recommendations, Ethics and Ongoing Compliance for Lobbyists and Washington Advocates, TheCapitol.Net, 2008, LobbyingAndAdvocacy.com
Viewpoints on lobbying
It can be argued that lobbying is undesirable because it allows people with particular interests which represent a minority to gain special access to law-makers and through contributions and favors have controversial relationships with representatives. This is a danger to democracy as described in Article 22 of the Federalist Papers.
Though many see lobbying as a potential corruption to the system, others disagree. Bill Clinton defended his wifes reception of lobbyist money read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobbying
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