...Lobbying and Interest Groups Lobbyists can have both beneficial and negative effects when it comes to influencing government legislation for the sake of their respective interest groups. A lobbyist is someone who gets paid to speak on behalf of an interest group’s goals. These lobbyists can be former state legislators, legislative aides, and gubernatorial aides who try to educate congressmen and women, as well as a governors, legislators, or aides on the position of the interest group they represent. Currently, there are 1,666 lobbyists in Texas. In addition, one must register, by law, as a lobbyist if they make more than $1,000 on behalf of their interest group per yearly quarter or spend $500 or more influencing government decision makers. Some of the theoretical costs of lobbying are that since not all interest groups have as much money as others, they can not take as elaborate of steps to try to influence government decision makers, such as paying for things like entertainment, “educational” trips, etc. Some of these benefits for the wealthier interest groups (ie: business interest groups) can lead to misconstrued information and possibly seem to appear unethical to the average citizen, even if no laws are broken. After all, the interest groups that can, will take advantage of loopholes. On the flipside, the benefits are that these government decision makers will become educated, aware, and more understanding as to what a certain interest group’s goals are. So in conclusion...
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...Bribery is a form of corruption. An example of bribery is giving money or a gift to a teacher to get a good grade. Lobbying is an attempt by a group or individual to influence the decision of someone or a group or even a public official. There is a major difference between bribery’s and lobbying. Lobbying is a legal form of actively supporting a cause or position while bribery involves the giving of money or other incentives to persuade somebody, in authority, to do something that is dishonest or illegal. Bribes are unmistakably considered to be unethical, but people's opinions change when seen in past situations whether they participated in offered bribes themselves or not. Persons, who did not offer bribes, judge those who offered them and those who accepted them more critically than other people. The SLOC can say that the gifts and medical care that was given was not intent to bribe but an attempt to help some of the members of the IOC. The SLOC paid for medical expenses for a person that had hepatitis. So easily they can say that the reason free medical care was provided was to make this influential member of the IOC better and that was their intent. Under the FCPA it does not matter how much money or the value of anything given it is the intent for what you are doing it for. If you intent is not a good intent then that is considered bribery. I also don’t think the entire community should be held responsible for something that the members violated. Punishment for violation...
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...Since the creation of the United States government, political lobbying has played a large role in influencing the creation and modification of laws. The act of lobbying is to solicit or try to influence the votes of members of a legislative body (Dictionary.com). There has always been controversy surrounding the political lobbying system, due to the potential of corruption through bribery. Two important pieces of legislation became laws as a result of this controversy. The Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act of 1946 and the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 were created to prevent potential abuse within the political lobbying system. The purpose of lobbying is to communicate to public officials the special interests of specific groups. Special interest groups typically hire professional advocates, who then try to influence public officials to vote on specific legislation that the special interest groups support. In many cases, elected officials and their staff do not have the resources to fully research specific information on proposed legislation that they must vote on. The purpose of lobbying is to gather and analyze information, and then educate public officials on the important details of upcoming legislation. Lobbyists can represent groups of people, and as a result of the Citizens United V. Federal Election Commission Supreme Court ruling, corporations, associations, and labor unions. In many cases, lobbyists may represent both sides of proposed legislation. There are set...
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...American Political Science Review Vol. 105, No. 1 February 2011 doi:10.1017/S0003055410000523 Bribes, Lobbying, and Development BARD HARSTAD Northwestern University JAKOB SVENSSON Stockholm University hen faced with a regulatory constraint, firms can either comply, bribe the regulator to get around the rule, or lobby the government to relax it. We analyze this choice, and its consequences, in a simple dynamic model. In equilibrium, when the level of development is low, firms are more inclined to bend the rule through bribery but they tend to switch to lobbying when the level of development is sufficiently high. Bribery, however, is associated with holdup problems, which discourage firms from investing. If the holdup problems are severe, firms will never invest enough to make lobbying worthwhile. The country may then be stuck in a poverty trap with bribery forever. The model can account for the common perception that bribery is relatively more common in poor countries, whereas lobbying is relatively more common in rich ones. In India, as elsewhere in the developing world, the old business of corruption is meeting a new rival: the Washington-style business of persuasion — –International Herald Tribune, May 31, 2006 ◦ W L obbying and corruption have been the subject of tremendous public interest and research. Surprisingly, these two means of influencing regulation have either been studied separately or viewed as basically being one and the same. The question of...
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...Legalizing Lobbying in Bulgaria – a Mission Impossible or a Much Needed “Must’ Author: Gergana V. Murtova Term Paper for Business and Society Class People are easily fooled by talk about donations, private or corporate, that might be the case but not the whole truth, indeed. You see, everywhere from America to Japan, each party has, so to say, a ring of firms…If you think that I am less influential than one banker, your idea of what a politician can achieve is very far from reality. In the last 15 years, perhaps half of all above-the-average businessmen are [what they are]…either with my blessing or at least a smile from me. * Ahmed Dogan (Bulgarian Politician, former leader of the ethnic Turks’party Movement for Rights and Freedoms), 2005 Corrupted politicians, lobbying from wealthy businessmen, forceful advocacy from particular societal groups, influence peddling from local and national government representatives – all these are scenarios that Bulgarian citizen hear and read about in Bulgarian media day after day. That is why when in 2005 Dogan said those words, Bulgarian society wasn’t shock by their content; it was no news to us. Actually, the only shock from these words was from the cynicism and the sense of impunity with which a party leader would talk before television cameras. Overall, Bulgarian society is rather used to the concept of corruption. Bulgaria has been ranked for years among the top in the world in terms of corruption (Mulcahy, 2012)...
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...Week 5 Discussing Questions Lobbying ash Purchase here http://chosecourses.com/abs-417-week-5-discussing-questions-lobbying-ash Product Description The file ABS 417 Week 5 Discussing Questions Lobbying Ash contains answers on the following tasks: 1. In 250-300 words, describe the process of political lobbying. 2. What makes a good lobbyist? 3. What techniques do they use? 4. What do they hope to accomplish? ABS 417 Week 5 Discussing Questions Lobbying ash Purchase here http://chosecourses.com/abs-417-week-5-discussing-questions-lobbying-ash Product Description The file ABS 417 Week 5 Discussing Questions Lobbying Ash contains answers on the following tasks: 1. In 250-300 words, describe the process of political lobbying. 2. What makes a good lobbyist? 3. What techniques do they use? 4. What do they hope to accomplish? ABS 417 Week 5 Discussing Questions Lobbying ash Purchase here http://chosecourses.com/abs-417-week-5-discussing-questions-lobbying-ash Product Description The file ABS 417 Week 5 Discussing Questions Lobbying Ash contains answers on the following tasks: 1. In 250-300 words, describe the process of political lobbying. 2. What makes a good lobbyist? 3. What techniques do they use? 4. What do they hope to accomplish? ABS 417 Week 5 Discussing Questions Lobbying ash Purchase here http://chosecourses.com/abs-417-week-5-discussing-questions-lobbying-ash Product Description ...
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...In general terms there are four principal methods that a pressure group can use in order to fulfil their functions. These four are; Electioneering and endorsement, Lobbying, Publicity and Organising grassroots activities. I would argue that Lobbying and organising grassroots activities is the most effective method that a pressure group can use as it is direct access to legislators as well as important political figures, whereas the use of electioneering and PAC is effective in a way it is not highly consider. The1970’s campaign finance reforms considerable alter the role of pressure groups and political fundraising, consequently the reforms limited the amount a pressure group could give to a candidate in a federal election. Therefore, the reform encouraged the setting up of political action committees commonly known as PACs that could make donations. A PAC is an organisation whose sole purpose is to raise funds which is then given to candidate campaigns running for political office. The 2006 mid-term elections were the first to run under the McCain-Feingold law of 2002, which had significant changes to federal election finance. The 2006 mid—terms themselves were an opportunity for the Democrats to regain control of both houses of Congress, with these factors as well as it being the most expensive election to date — an increase of 25% on what was spent in 2002, a majority of this increase was by PACs. PAC spending in 2006 exceeded $1billion and also with an increased emphasis...
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...Unit 1 – Ethics, Morality and Legalities Abstract This paper will attempt to dissect the fine line between lobbying and bribery and give some direction as to where one ends and the other begins with relationship to ethics, morality and legalities. Unit 1 - Ethics, Morality and Legalities 1. What is the difference between lobbying and bribery? Meriam-Websters online dictionary. (2011). Defines bribe(ry) as money or favor given to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust. Meriam-Websters online dictionary. (2011). Defines lobbying as conducting activities aimed at influencing public officials and especially members of a legislative body on legislation. Based upon the previous definitions of bribery and lobbying it is hard to tell the difference between the two. However, upon closer inspection bribery clearly defines what cannot be done and lobbying is simply conducting activities to influence public official or legislative bodies. Jrank.org. (2011) states that lobbying is considered so essential to the proper functioning of the U.S Government that is specifically protected by the First Amendment of the U.S Constitution. 2. What argument cold the SLOC members make that the payments made do not fit the definition of an illegal bribe (under the FCPA)? SLOC members could argue that the payments made to IOC members were not to influence them to secure their business interests. According to justice.gov. (nd) was...
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...One of the biggest special-interest lobbyists groups is the Oil and Gas lobbyists. In 2009, annual lobbying for oil and gas was approximately $174 million. This year marked the highest amount ever spent on lobbying for the oil and gas industry. In 2013, annual lobbying spent was approximately $145 million. The attached chart shows the annual lobbying on oil and gas. Since 2007, the amount of money spent on lobbying for this industry has jumped drastically. It is easy to see how special-interests groups can influence policies even when the policies are opposed by voters. Currently, there are 762 lobbyists reported for the oil and gas industry (Oil and Gas, 2014). As these groups grow, the pressure on senators and delegates also grows. The amount of money used by lobbyist groups to influence policy change is absurd. In finance, cash is king. The same seems to be true for policy influence. Each special-interest group tries to find a way to influence policy. Some groups may be trying to improve regulations while others are trying to reduce regulations. Some groups believe fracking is the answer, while other groups are concerned with the environmental impacts. For politicians, finding a balance between lobbyist groups and their constituents is a juggling act. They must make justified decisions. Of course self-interest plays a crucial role because they want to be reelected. Large sums of money helps with campaigning. Social interest also plays a key role because in order...
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...results than lawsuits or mass mobilization- you are dealing with one person (the politician you are funding); it buys the candidate's loyalty and support; it provides access when the interest group needs assistance; it is more effective on a single, focused issue; you don't need a large group of people to back you up (as with mass mobilization). Grassroots Lobbying- asking the public to contact legislators concerning the issue at had, as opposed to going to the legislators directly. A grassroots lobby puts pressure on the legislature to address the concerns of a particular group by mobilizing that group, usually through raising public awareness and running advocacy campaigns. A group or individual classified as a lobbyist must submit regular disclosure reports; however, reporting requirements vary from state to state. The unique characteristic of grassroots lobbying, in contrast to other forms of lobbying, is that it involves stimulating the politics. Mass Mobilization- Mobilizing a specific group identified by the lobby puts pressure on the legislature to address the concerns of this group. These tactics are used after the lobbying group gains the public’s...
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...Bombardier TEG (A): Operational and Political Issues in Multinational Projects Price, technical proficiency, delivery dates, and domestic content/presence were the most important award criteria to win bids for passenger railcar manufacturing contracts in the US. For most bids around 1992, Morrison-Knudsen (M-K)’s offers were outweighing the technical edge Bombardier’s Transportation Equipment Group (TEG) had through fast delivery times and performing most of the contract locally (e.g. open more local plants or hire more local people than competitors). In addition, the company considerably underbid contracts by 7% on average. Remarkably, all those key deciding factors were based on promises without a record of proof. Therefore, M-K’s promises seemed to be out of touch when considering that the company lacked substantial experience in manufacturing rail equipment, and had not delivered a single working vehicle to any client so far at that time. M-K had experience in the refurbishment market for mass transit cars, but this is considered an entirely different business from car manufacturing, e.g. it did not involve design, and many integration issues were already solved (blueprints). Consequently, without the control of the overall design and the integration of various systems, while having components coming from all over the place (e.g. M-K was supplied and supported by low-cost overseas firms from Brazil, Japan or Portugal, even for design and engineering), M-K took a huge risk...
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...PRACTICES Deborah Porter AIU Online Abstract While some people might believe that lobbying and bribery is wrong that depends upon the individual involved and probably the circumstances. Lobbying began in the 1830; the term lobbying is derived from the corridors and foyers of legislative chambers which are other wise as lobbies. Representative of special interest groups coming together to discuss issues in the lobbies of Congress and Legislature. Since that time lobbying has become the practice and profession of influencing government decisions and actions. Lobbying has become the practice for the agents of pressure groups gathering together to persuade legislators to support legislation favorable to them. Overall you can say lobbying is any sort of approach to obtain needed support. Bribery is the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value for the purposing of influencing the action of an official or individual. Most time a bribe is done when one wants to have their public or legal duties discharged. Usually bribery involves transferring cash or personal favors, the promise of paying at a later time and giving anything that the recipient deems to be of value. Bribery is a serious felony I most jurisdiction. The difference between the two is significant. Although both of these are used for personal gain; in lobbying there is no exchange of monies. In lobbying pressure groups mostly uses the power of persuasion to obtain the required result...
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...Running Header: Special Interest Special Interest Jermall Cuffee Professor: Dr. Jane El-Yacoubi POL 110 03/03/13 So, when the election is all over. What can the average American do to stay involved in the political arena and not have to wait for the next election? There is one significant way of influencing American government and that is through an Interest Group. Interest Groups also known as advocacy groups, lobbying groups or special interest, are in place to persuade or prevent changes in public policies. They exist for the solemn purpose of conveying the views and defending the interest of a part of society to public officials. There are all types of interest groups in America from animal rights groups to public interest groups to citizen groups. Interest groups get there start when James Madison developed the theme in “The Federalists (No. 10). In it he discussed factions, which was his term for interest groups and Madison believed that will always have diverse interest especially when it comes to economic circumstances and property ownership. Even though interest groups can be found deeply rooted in many different traditions and cultures such as Germany, they are common threads that can be observed in the development of interest groups mostly in Western industrial societies. There are about four phases in which the development of interest groups can be viewed. In what is called the first phase or the preindustrial phase beginning in the 1830s to the 1870s, there...
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...Define an interest group with examples. Interest group – usually a voluntary organization where members share a common interest in which they seek to influence public policy, without seeking political control. They have primary activities such as lobbying the members of the legislative bodies through contributions to political parties, trying to elect sympathetic or pliable politicians, and by conducting covert or open propaganda campaigns. (Interest Groups, n.d.) There are a few different types of interest groups and they are as follows: Economic Interest Groups This is the largest category that includes organizations that represent big businesses, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), as well as big labor – the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. (Types of Interest Groups, 2012) Public Interest Groups These groups usually do not expect to profit directly from policy changes. These groups gain financially by getting donations from individuals and foundations that support their activities. Groups such as Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), League of Women Voters, and Common Cause belong with the public interest groups. (Types of Interest Groups, 2012) Government Interest Groups Even with the structure of the federal system, it does not surprise us that there are organizations to bring issues of local and state government...
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...An overview and Descriptions : In very democracy, Interest groups are as old as political parties existence. Interest groups, equally known as advocacy or pressure groups, are associations or organizations of individuals who share a common interest and assert their collective strength in the political process to protect — and in some cases, expand — that interest. They are Non-profit and usually voluntary organization whose members have a common cause for which they seek to influence public policy, without seeking political control. Their primary activities are lobbying the members of legislative bodies through contribution to political parties, working to elect sympathetic or pliable politicians, and conducting covert or open propaganda campaigns. At this juncture, My emphasis is on The Anti-Abortion Right Group in My State of Maryland,which is of particular interest to me. Because my Delegate is a Republican. In the late 1960s, a number of organizations were formed to mobilize opinion against the legalization of abortion. In the United States, the National Right to Life Committee was formed in 1968, while in Australia, the National Right to Life formed in 1970. The United States pro-life movement (also known as the United States anti-abortion movement or the United States right-to-life movement) as a social and political movement in the united state opposing on moral or sectarian grounds elective Abortion and usually supporting its legal prohibition or restriction. Advocates...
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