The general public relies on elected officials to do important work for us that aligns with our interests. However, it can be difficult to communicate with these officials once they’ve been placed in office. That’s where lobbying comes in.
What is a lobbyist, and what do lobbyists do? Anyone who attempts to influence government action is considered a lobbyist. State lobbyists try to talk to state officials, while federal looks more at the big picture.
Many officials consider it a form of bribery. Unlike bribing, there is no exchange of money or goods. The efficacy of lobbying also varies depending on the issue and public sentiment.
Here are three different types of lobbying that can make a significant change in politics.
1. Direct Lobbying
As the name implies, direct lobbying involves communicating with a member of a legislative body. You may also reach some other type of government official. The goal of this contact is to influence legislation and the individual’s point of view.
Some level of government relations is required in order to reach more important individuals. Otherwise, you’re more likely to speak with an employee who works for a government official.
Furthermore, the Utah legislature requires that a lobbying firm acquire a federal lobbyist registration in order to operate. They must file a separate registration for each client.
2. Grassroots Lobbying
Like the direct type, grassroots lobbying seeks to promote change by communicating with a government official. However, an organization that does grassroots lobbying cannot state its position on a specific legislature. Instead, they encourage and enable the public to reach out.
One popular form of grassroots lobbying is the online petition. Once a target number of supporters sign the petition, it is presented for discussion.
Another form of grassroots lobbying is through a public demonstration or rally. At these rallies, individuals can state their opinions on certain legislature. They then inform others on how to communicate with their representatives, such as with a phone number or address.
Government lobbying through grassroots organizations is effective because representatives are obligated to listen to their constituents. The voice of the people often proves much louder than interest groups.
3. Electoral Lobbying
Electoral lobbying is a type of lobbying that involves influencing who gets elected into office. Instead of reaching out to government officials, interest groups use their resources to influence an election.
Corporate executives could speak to politicians about policy priorities on behalf of their shareholders. Individuals could donate money to support political campaigns that align with their own interests. Social media also provides a free outlet for anyone to promote certain political figures and their message.
Explore the Different Types of Lobbying
Federal and state lobbying are important parts of living in the United States. These different types of lobbying all have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Grassroots lobbying provides a way for people without connections to make their voices heard. Meanwhile, electoral lobbying is most useful around election dates. Both are necessary if you want to promote change in the country.
Check out our other articles to learn more about finance, business, and more.
