How to Monitor Representative

How to Monitor Representative

Keeping Tabs on Your Legislators

How closely does that campaign rhetoric match the reality? You can't monitor every vote of your Representative personally, but there are organizations that do just that and more on a regular basis. We've listed some of the most influential interest groups in the U.S., whether you want to join their cause and lobby Congress or merely find out what your elected officials are up to, these organizations can help.

Business and Labor

AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education: the nation's most powerful labor group, it's actually a federation of local, state and national unions.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: One of the big three probusiness lobbying groups. Had its heyday during the Reagan administration.

National Association of Manufacturers: The most politically middle-of-the-road of the big three. Its members are, not surprisingly, large manufacturing firms.

National Federation of Independent Business: Champions the interests of small, independent business and is closest to the grass roots of the big three business groups.

Civil Rights

Rainbow/PUSH result of the merge between People United to Save Humanity (Push) and National Rainbow Coalition, Inc.: Founded by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, this group is best known for its advocacy of racial and ethnic tolerance.

View on the Manhattan Island. Photo by Elena

Consumer Groups

Common Cause: Among other things, Common Cause advocates public financing of congressional campaigns and ethics in government. It has been a player in the recent debate about campaign finance reform.

Consumer Federation of America: This federation of hundreds of organizations claims to stand up for the rights of average consumers in Congress and before federal regulatory agencies.

The environment

National Wildlife Federation: One of the most powerful public advocates for the environment and endangered species.

The Christian Coalition: The coalition has mobilized thousands of Christian activists around the country in support of a host of conservative issued. Leader Ralph Reed has been scoring points as one of Washington's savviest operators. TV evangelist Pat Robertson is the power behind the scenes.

National Abortion reproductive Rights Action League: The most prominent organization supporting reproductive choice and safe, legal abortions.

National Right to Life committee: The other side of the abortion battle. The committee opposes abortion, euthanasia, and infanticide, and supports abortion alternative programs.

National Rifle Association: The self-appointed defender of the Second Amendment, the NRA knows how to flex its muscle in Washington. It is one of the most powerful PACs in the country.

American Israel Public Affairs Committee: A powerful voice in Congress on issues that affect the future of Israel.

American Jewish Congress: Along with AIPAC, the most prominent lobbying force in Washington for Jewish affairs. Promotes civil rights and religious freedom.

American Association for Retired Persons: Arguably the most vocal public interest group of them all, and certainly one of the most powerful, this senior citizens' organization is legendary for its legislative savvy. Its magazine, Modern Maturity, has the largest circulation of any in the U.S.

If you whist to communicate with the President and his minions, the White House has its own Website, where you can see up-to-the minute press releases and transcripts of presidential speeches, get information on White House tours and other events at the mansion. You can as well send a message to the president.

How to E-Mail Congressperson

Your congressperson may be inside the Beltway, but that doesn't mean they're out of touch. Their e-mail addresses, as well as the texts of House bills, the Bill of Rights, election results, etc. are available.