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The Case for Lobbying Transparency

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  • Zerbini, Antoine

Abstract

What is the impact of lobbying transparency laws? To study this question, I combine a lobbying model with a canonical model of political agency. I show that the need for lobbying transparency is rooted in the conflicting policy and electoral incentives of politicians, rather than in the risk of undue influence by interest groups per se. By making clearer the process through which a policy was implemented, lobbying transparency both helps voters control the influence of interest groups and better punish politicians who do not represent their best interests. This welfare- enhancing effect does not rely on the precise lobbying channel (information or contribution). I also show that politicians often have little incentives to implement lobbying transparency standards, potentially explaining why voters’ demand for it remains unanswered.

Suggested Citation

  • Zerbini, Antoine, 2023. "The Case for Lobbying Transparency," SocArXiv w6vam_v1, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:socarx:w6vam_v1
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/w6vam_v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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