Lobbism USA By Natalya Mazko

…the practice of influencing decisions made by government. It includes all attempts to influence legislators and officials, whether by other legislators, constituents or organized groups.

…a person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest or a member of a lobby.

Lobbyism has arisen in the USA (where the special law on lobbyism has been accepted in 1946) Quite often lobbyists have the offices at a legislature.

Through mobilization of public opinion 1). Through mobilization of public opinion (use of mass actions, the organization of mass references to authority and campaigns in mass-media, and also litigations) and campaigns in mass-media, and also litigations)

Use of election campaigns 2). Use of election campaigns (personal participation in elections or promotion of the candidates, financing of election campaigns) financing of election campaigns)

Use of formal contacts 3). Use of formal contacts (development of projects of legal certificates and the organization of their discussions, reporting of the information, participation in work of the public authorities)

Use of informal contacts 4). Use of informal contacts (the organization and holding conferences, round work tables, use of personal communications, the organization of informal meetings)

Many jurisdictions require the formal registration of lobbyists who come in contact with government representatives Since 1995, most persons who are paid to make direct "lobbying contacts" with members of Congress and officials of the federal executive branch are required to register and file reports twice a year.

If lobbyists neglect to register, they are susceptible to criminal charges and harsh penalties.

There are conflicts between organizations that wish to impose greater restrictions on lobbying activities, and groups that argue that such restrictions infringe on the right to petition government officials, which is a right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Bob Livingston The most successful lobbyist Bob Livingston

There are over 17,000 federal lobbyists based in Washington, DC, while many of these lobbyists are employed by lobbying and law firms and retain outside clients, others are employed by trade associations, companies, and state and local governments.