For context, go to history.
Prelude: Chinatown and the real story
In 1946, the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act required individuals lobbying Congress to register with and report to the House of Representatives and the Senate
On August 13, 1949, Collier's published "The Secret Boss of California," an expose of lobbyist Artie Samish.
"This is my legislature. How are you, Mr. Legislature?"
As a result of the Samish story, the Legislature passed the Collier Lobby Control Act (1949) and The Erwin Act (1950), requiring lobbyist registration.
The Watergate break-in took place in 1972. The story gained strength in 1973.
Watergate inspired major federal reform legislation in 1974.
Calilfornia's young secretary of state took the occasion to draft Proposition 9, the Political Reform Act of 1974.
See here for an online course on the law.
In 1988 came Shrimpgate, and in 1990 came ... term limits.
Recent controversies:
- Wright
- Yee
- Calderon -- the FBI release
Campaign Finance
Citizens United
