Voters support limiting influence of big donors, politicians have publicly declared support for reducing the influence of money on our political system.
Political Lobbying articles on Democracy Chronicles
Political lobbying is a legal practice of petitioning the government enshrined in the Constitution but has been supersized in the modern era by well-financed lobbies having outsized impact on government decision making. Efforts to highlight and correct the oversized impact that the powerful few have over government will be highlighted in this section. Also see our sections on American democracy and Money Politics.
A Voting Machine Company Pushing For New Election Security Laws
Major voting machine vendor reversed course and urged Congress to pass legislation mandating paper trails for all votes as an anti-hacking protection.
How Payday Lenders Spent $1 Million At Trump Resort – And Cashed In
Payday lenders offer loans on the order of a few hundred dollars, typically to low-income borrowers, who have to pay them back in a matter of weeks.
How Sunday Church Collections Land In Pockets Of Lobbyists
The U.S. Catholic Church spent $10.6 million on lobbyists to prevent victims of clerical sex abuse from suing for damages.
Uighur Activists Lobby for US Bill on Xinjiang Crackdown
Uighur rights advocates in the United States are ramping up efforts to persuade the U.S. Congress to pass a bill focusing on China’s growing persecution.
75% of FTC Officials Have Revolving Door Conflicts With Industry
Most top officials at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) become lawyers and lobbyists for major technology companies after they leave the agency.
Chemical Lobby Giving Generously To Congress to Stop Ban on Chlorpyrifos
Chemical lobby giving generously to congress to Stop ban on Chlorpyrifos controversial pesticide linked to brain damage in children.
Do You Trust Politicians? Depends on How You Define Trust
Political scientists have measured the public’s trust in the federal government consistently, using measures that are largely unchanged since the 1960s.
Farmers Ask 21 Questions: Are You Listening?
The impact of mega-farms on rural economies and our natural environment is generally horrible. The impact on generations of family farmers is devastating.
Financial Sector Plutocrats Power Midterm Super PAC Spending
Hedge fund wealthy individual donors gave nearly $690 million to outside groups that poured money into influencing the 2018 midterm elections.