Foreword
Lobbying — the process of petitioning government to influence public policy — is protected by the U.S. Constitution. The First Amendment says that "Congress shall make no law … abridging … the right of the people … to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Lobbying is as old as the government itself and a basic — many would say essential — form of participation in the legislative process, involving researching and analyzing legislation, monitoring developments, attending hearings, working with coalitions, and educating government officials about the implications of certain changes. Ideally, lobbying helps lawmakers make fair and informed…
