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originalintent writes:

in response to BuffaloGirl:

It sounds good, except they also have the opportunity to corrupt the system, and I am not naive enough to believe they don't. Wouldn't it be nice if politicians listened to their constituents, and considered all sides and made a decision based on what would be the best solution for our country regardless of its political origin or the financial benefits they might receive one way or the other. Wouldn't that be wonderful. Just saying.

If Congress hadn't expanded the role of federal government to the extent that committee's and sub-committees would be required to address issues and that Congressional staffs would be expanded so much, most legislation would be debated and drafted in the full chambers rather than some small enclave. By the time legislation makes it to the floor of the House, members only have the option of voting it up or down without the ability to make any changes. That is a large part of what makes lobbyists more viable. If every House member had a say in the formation of the budget or any other policy, constituents could merely call on their Representative. As it stands, the need for lobbyists is baked in to the process.
