How Lobbyists Influence Public Policy: The Use of Lobbying by Special Interest Groups
People turn to lobbyists to influence proposed legislation as well as policies related to the public. In many countries, lobbying is an integral part of the legislative process. It allows special interest groups that may not be making decisions for the interest of the masses to dominate policymaking as well as allow individuals to shape public decision-making. Lobbying can very well be used for corruption as well as to harm the public good and democracy by benefiting influential and wealthy people that have access to it.
It involves providing information to officials as well as politicians to influence the decision-making process. This includes but is not limited to the promotion of causes or advocation for certain outcomes. Corporations, public interest groups, as well as trade associations usually employ lobbyists when they have concerns surrounding specific proposed legislation.
It must be noted that it is not illegal to lobby, it is recognized as an important part of political participation in any democracy. When it comes to lobbying, meetings with legislations to sway their opinions are what lobbyists seek. They also tend to contact media outlets and talk to local representatives as well as hold fundraisers for political campaigns to support by organizing petitions and sending out letters and emails to promote or oppose certain issues.
Clients use lobbyists to represent certain policies on their behalf. They also try to sway legislators and officials in their favor by backing this up with research data related to the causes that they are promoting or opposing. They also tend to organize meetings with managers and legislative parties as well as write letters, phone calls, and emails on behalf of legislative issues. Lobbyists also use their skills to persuade and argue for opposing or supporting issues. They have strong proficiency when it comes to verbal as well as written knowledge about government systems, researching, and putting forward their point.
One issue related to lobbying is that certain associations lobby for policies that are self-serving rather than those that serve the masses and society at large. When it comes to this, there is usually no accountability or transparency about what such corporations stand for and the changes that the outcomes will bring to these policies. Such activities lead to polarization among people within communities which could be avoided if proper discussions are to be held between people that are on conflicting sides.
In conclusion, special interest and influential groups use lobbying as a pathway to influence legislative and public policy in their favor. There is a lot of potential for misuse as well as exploitation of this power and when used appropriately, it can also encourage positive change and make sure that the voice of those who are otherwise oppressed is heard. All in all, it is up to voters to be educated on these issues that are at stake and make sure that their representatives in government act in their best interest.
