Efforts to reform lobbying practices in the United States have been ineffective, even though there is widespread public backing for such reforms.

What's this about?

People disagree about whether new lobbying rules have fixed unfair influence in United States politics.

Lobbying means groups trying to sway government choices.

What supporters say

• New rules often require lobbyists to report their work, but groups do not always enforce those rules well.
• Reports can miss key facts, include errors, or leave out some people who should report.
• Former lawmakers still use their contacts and insider know-how when they become lobbyists.
• Rich people and large groups still seem to have more sway over laws than most voters.

What critics say

• Reform laws have created more public reports and some limits on lobbyist behavior.
• Public reports can help people see who tries to shape government choices.
• Studies do not prove that one certain federal rule caused unfair influence.
• We cannot say every reform failed, because results can differ from place to place.

The bottom line

The evidence shows that reform has helped somewhat, but it has not clearly fixed the biggest problems.

Rules alone have not yet made access and influence fair for everyone.