Even before the founding of the Republic, James Madison expressed the concern that special interest influence could become “adverse to the rights of other citizens [as well as] the permanent and aggregate interests of the community.” In modern times, examples of lobbying scandals and corruption associated with political campaign contributions abound—and yet our political system can and does further the larger goals of American democracy. Suited for advanced high school students, undergraduates, and general readers, this set examines the three powerful forces that affect every level of government but typically operate out of public view.

This three-volume work exhaustively covers the evolution and impact of lobbying, political influence, and corruption from the Colonial era to today. Volume 1 contains detailed scholarly essays on various aspects of lobbying, corruption, and political influence. Volume 2 comprises informative A–Z entries on people, events, laws, organizations, and legal decisions. The entries demonstrate the linkages among the topics but give equal attention to each as an independent influence on U.S. government and politics. Developments since 1990 and the extensive proliferation of the Internet and social media receive additional emphasis. Volume 3 contains primary documents that include executive orders, court cases, state and federal lobbying forms, and codes of conduct related to lobbying, campaign finance reform, and anti-corruption measures.

Features

• Provides balanced and fair information about three of the murkiest but most powerful forces in American politics and government: lobbying, political influence, and corruption
• Covers a wide range of pertinent events, people, organizations, institutions, jurisprudence, and laws from the Credit Mobilier affair in the 19th century to the conviction of Jack Abramoff in the 21st century
• Includes suggested readings with each entry for further exploration of specific subject as well as a unique compendium of original data and documents such as laws, legislation, and agency regulations
• Supplies references for further reading and features extensive cross-referencing that directs researchers to other authoritative sources