Why has the impact of professional lobbyists on policy-making in the USA been controversial? (15 marks)

The most significant reason for the impact of professional lobbyists on policy making being controversial is the ‘Revolving Door’ syndrome. This is when an official lobbies their colleagues from a well-paid lobbying firm in Washington DC, after leaving a position from the executive branch. Trump tried to implement a 5 year ban in order to solve it. The contributes to an abuse of public services to further pressure group interests, as well as for profit gains. In 1978, the Ethics in Government Act stated that executive branch officials cannot lobby federal agencies, in which there would be a conflict of interest. However, in many cases, such as with tax shows this hasn’t been implemented successfully. This therefore makes it controversial, such in cases where pressure groups can exert influence. Overall, professional lobbyists have a big impact on policy making and is controversial because lobbyists use their power and connections to help with legislation that will benefit themselves.

Elitism is another important reason behind the impact professional lobbyists have on policy-making, with it also being controversial. This is because pressure groups with more money can exert a greater amount of influence in which can have an effect on policy makers, in which it would help to benefit that pressure group. This is evident from the NRA spending $6.2 million on Richard Burr, a Senator for North Carolina, during his election campaign; this included travel, transport, polling and other features in which to improve his campaign, and therefore…