Legislation

Running head : LEGISLATION

Introduction

Interest groups are always going to be around as long as there are issues to be debated and sides to be taken . The important thing is that the interest been articulated should be in favor of the greatest numbers rather than focused on the minority wishes of a few moneyed people . In this case , the utilitarian principle should be applied as long as the issue being lobbied takes into consideration the wishes of the majority then lobbyists should have unlimited access to the legislators

However this view

can very easily lead to the dictatorship of the majority and isolate vulnerable interest groups that have genuine interests that need to be addressed (Marion Oliver , 2006 . Matters like civil rights or issues affecting people with special needs could be ignored if they do not have a voice to push for their cases

The National Rifle Association (NRA ) is an example of a minority group that represents the wishes of the pro-gun lobby . Most states favor more gun control , but the political power this lobby wields because of its wealth , enables it to influence legislators in its favor (Marion Oliver , 2006 . The recent Supreme Court ruling on the right to bear arms was decided by a 5-4 majority showing how divided the bench was on this issue

A law should be passed setting a cap on the amount of money lobbyists can spend to agitate for their interests . It should also be made illegal for any legislator to receive inducements from a lobby group in the excess of say 10 . Lobbyists will then articulate their interests by justifying their arguments rather than `buying ' support . In this way the pork-barrel politics of Congress will come to an end and fairness will be achieved

References

Marion , N . E . and Oliver , W .M (2006 ) The Public Policy of Crime and Criminal Justice , Prentice Hall Legislation PAGE \ MERGEFORMAT 1...