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The Importance of Lobbying

The practice of lobbying offers an opportunity for the resolution of disputes among often dissimilar and challenging points of view. Lobbying also disseminates information, analysis, and opinions to legislators and government leaders. This allows them to arrive to an informed and balanced decision. It also creates a system of verification that permits for a fair competition among interest groups. Thus, any one group is not allowed to attain a permanent position of power. Lobbyists help in making the legislative process more efficient by presenting the lawmakers with trustworthy information and accurate evaluation of a bill's effect.


The Practice of Lobbying

Lobbying is a democratic and peaceful process in which to bring about change. The system of lobbying is used to shape political decisions and is a lawful and necessary part of the democratic process. Individuals and organizations feel the need to influence the decisions which may affect them and those around them. Lobbying allows them to fulfill these needs. In most countries, the practice of lobbying is protected by the law. Since corporations and other special interest groups are legally considered a singular entity, they are represented as such in the U.S. Congress. 


Some Examples of Lobbying

Some lobbying groups are formed to promote the interests of consumers. There are certain liberal interest groups who lobby towards reforms such as healthcare. There are other lobbying groups who work towards reforms in educational systems such as the improvement of the quality of teachers and support policies such as the creation of more charter schools etc. There are also public interest groups who lobby for the defense of the environment. There are also those who lobby for economic interests.


Purpose of Lobbying

The main purpose of lobbying is to persuade legislators on behalf of a particular interest. The purpose of lobbying is to influence government policy and its implementation, and to help set the political agenda. Lobbying can also be used to persuade commercial enterprises, international and regional organizations and other NGOs.

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