Each year, lobbying groups in Washington spend billions of dollars to try to influence the government. But who hires these lobby firms? Corporations, special interest groups, unions, and single interest groups have all poured money into lobbying efforts to shape laws and regulations to promote their interests. Despite numerous criticisms, lobbying in the U.S. is protected under the First Amendment, which gives citizens the right to petition the government. Recently, though, legislation was passed that forced lobbying organizations to be more transparent in their deals.
Let's take a closer look at the industries and interest groups that use lobbyists to influence the U.S. government, and how the political changes they have provoked have affected American citizens.
|
The AARPThe American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a special interest group for people aged 50 and over. According to its mission statement, it is “dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age, leading positive social change, and delivering value to members through information, advocacy, and service.” The AARP is also one of the largest lobbying groups in Washington. They spend millions a year on health care and Medicare reform, Social Security, and legislation related to retirement and age discrimination.
The NRAThe National Rifle Association has been one of the most consistently influential political lobbies in American politics. Much of the NRA’s power, however, seems to lie less in its spending and more in its ability to mobilize its members and get out its message. The organization has actively lobbied to prevent new legislation limiting guns and to protect the Second Amendment regarding gun ownership.
The Tech IndustryOver the past 15 years, the tech industry has become one of the big spenders in lobbying. With the power of Google, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft behind it, the computer and internet lobby has a lot of money at their disposal. The goal of tech lobbyist is to lower corporate tax rates and pass legislation on cybersecurity.
The Defense IndustryDefense spending in America has always been important, but more so after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Lobbyists, contractors, the Pentagon, and those that serve on arms committees hold the most influence. Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and General Dynamics are the largest lobbying companies in this industry. Lockheed Martin (the airplane manufacturer) received the largest percentage of funds that were paid out by the Pentagon and has additional multi-million dollar contracts with the IRS, NSA, TSA, CIFA, FBI, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the U.S. Postal Service, which allow them to essentially dominate the industry. |
 |
These are not the only groups and industries that exert strong influence on the U.S. government. Next, you will learn about some of the more questionable industries.
Answer the following questions to review what you learned about how certain industries influence the government.
How does the NRA influence government today?
- They persuade lawmakers to carry guns to work.
- They lobby to limit gun ownership by the mentally ill.
- They mobilize their members to oppose gun control laws.
The NRA is highly adept at mobilizing its supporters to contact lawmakers, as well as lobbying to protect the Second Amendment and keeping guns accessible.
The NRA is highly adept at mobilizing its supporters to contact lawmakers, as well as lobbying to protect the Second Amendment and keeping guns accessible.
The NRA is highly adept at mobilizing its supporters to contact lawmakers, as well as lobbying to protect the Second Amendment and keeping guns accessible.
How does the AARP influence government today?
- They persuade members to contact officials directly.
- They hire lobbyists to secure benefits for older Americans.
- They organize frequent demonstrations and rallies.
The AARP is also good at mobilizing its base, but its strength lies in its ability to lobby to retain the benefits important to older Americans, such as Social Security and Medicare.
The AARP is also good at mobilizing its base, but its strength lies in its ability to lobby to retain the benefits important to older Americans, such as Social Security and Medicare.
The AARP is also good at mobilizing its base, but its strength lies in its ability to lobby to retain the benefits important to older Americans, such as Social Security and Medicare.
Why would the defense industry want to influence government?
- to ensure that the nation goes to war more often
- to encourage military spending, which increases their profits
- to keep the country safe from attack by foreign armies
The largest aircraft manufacturers make up (and finance) the majority of this industry. They influence government through lobbying for contracts and more military spending.
The largest aircraft manufacturers make up (and finance) the majority of this industry. They influence government through lobbying for contracts and more military spending.
The largest aircraft manufacturers make up (and finance) the majority of this industry. They influence government through lobbying for contracts and more military spending.
Summary
Questions answered correctly:
Questions answered incorrectly:
