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by r0f1 1728 days ago
Question from an unknowing European: Lobbying on federal legislation is something that is allowed?
4 comments

What is "lobbying"? Lobbying is a process where subject-matter experts discuss policy with lawmakers. Lawmakers are not necessarily experts in 100% of topics, are they? So the industries have experts that lawmakers talk to. And of course, these industries make political contributions.

With no lobbyists, lawmakers are likely to be fairly clueless. With too much money and influence, lobbyists really call the shots, and Congress is basically subservient to them. There's a space in between where lawmakers are informed but don't owe lobbyists anything.

Thanks for this explanation :)
You’re welcome! I remember being confused by the concept as well, and now I feel more informed.
Lobbying isn't something that's not done I the EU or most european countries I'm aware of. Which countries are you referring to, which don't have lobbying?
Yes. It's allowed in Europe too.
Just like it is allowed (and officially sanctioned) in the EU