National Rifle Association's Relationship with Congress

This paper will examine the National Rifle Association and its relationship with the Congress of the United States. The research will investigate how the National Rifle Association has attempted to influence Congress and what decisions Congress has made concerning the National Rifle Association's interests during the 1980s. A substantial part of the investigation will compare what is found in the research with what is asserted by Barbara Hinckley in her Stability and Change in Congress.

Hinckley writes with regard to interest groups in general that they are most successful when they are comprised of individuals who are representative of voters in the home districts of Congressmen. That is, the "Washington Lobbyist" does not have the influence of the lobbyist who is truly in touch with voters back home vitally interested in the issue.

Hinckley writes in this context that "According to this analysis, groups engaging in grass-roots campaigns and fortunate enough to have members distributed across most congressional districts have an advantage in Congress" (Hinckley 40). In addition, Hinckley adds, "Interest groups . . . are more than organized lobbies. The term is construed broadly to include organizations as well as identifiable but unorganized groups in the constituency . . . Interest groups also . . . mean primarily groups that are active in the district" (Hinckley 40).

The National Rifle Association fulfills all these requirements for an effective interest group

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nd organization, qualities which most interest groups cannot sustain (Hinckley 43-44). Clearly, the National Rifle Association fulfills these requirements. Another important factor almost too simple to be considered or believed, as Hinckley points out, is that "It's very easy to influence a congressman." These are the words of a House member. Hinckley adds that "On most issues, a concerned public could turn the tide and either check or override a specific group interest" (Hinckley 43-44). We come to see clearly, then, that the NRA has all the ingredients for success in shaping Congressional attitudes and actions. Congress is entirely vulnerable to the organized and sustained efforts of such a broadly based interest group as the NRA, simply because Congressmen seek reelection above all else and need the votes and money the NRA can deliver without fail. The impact of the NRA can even effect the definition of the Constitution - in this case, the Second Amendment which deals with guns - as it is shaped by Congress. The Amendment's reference to a "militia" rather than to individuals has led gun control advocates to argue more insistently for licensing and registration of personal handguns. But the Orrin Hatch chaired Senate

Category: Government - N