Zeitschrift für Politikwissenschaften und öffentliche Angelegenheiten
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The Impact of NRA on the American Policy

Sam Musa

The purpose of this research is to examine to what extent the National Rifle Association (NRA) has an impact on federal and state policies in the United States of America. The study examined the NRA’s political activities within the last 10 years. The political activities include lobbying methods, campaign spending, maintenance plans, and bills lobbied at legislative, executive, and judicial levels. The NRA was founded over 144 years. The NRA’s mission is to promote public safety, train members of law enforcement agencies, adopt and encourage the shooting sports, and to promote hunter safety. The research results showed that the NRA operates at over $250 million a year, and most of the money is spent on ads, lobbying, and Political Action Committees. The research concluded that the primary source of power for the NRA is its 5 million dedicated members. The NRA’s members are engaged in the political arena and feel passionate about their gun rights. The NRA has also a strong access to policy makers; they have hired former legislators and government officials, since they can use their friendships and personal connections to gain access to policy makers. The NRA is a powerful organization and has influenced the outcome of state, local, and national elections; however, their power has a limit, as they are still abided by the laws.