Regulation of interest groups and lobbying

Question

If you could alter the way we regulate interest group activity and lobbying, how might you do so in a way consistent with the Constitution and recent Supreme Court decisions?

Answer 1

Financial disclosure and as much transparency (ie: who is involved) as possible are about all you can do, and probably all you want to do. The First Amendment protects the fundamental rights of people to "peacably assemble" and "redress grievances," Interest groups and lobbying are modern examples of that concept.

Keep in mind that the same First Amendment rights that protect THEIR interest groups and lobbyists, protect YOUR interest groups and lobbyists as much as the folks you oppose. The same protections that allow big business to exert influence allow civil rights groups to make their voices heard as well. The disparity is not about rights, but about resources -- money. We may want to focus our efforts on strengthening and bolstering OUR interest groups and lobbyists so they can compete with the other guys!