Petitioning The Government

According to the United States Constitution, every citizen is granted the right to petition for the redress of grievances. Most people think of redress of grievances as addressing the legal branch where one can file lawsuits and the legislative branch where one can lobby for new laws. But, one can also petition the administrative agencies that carry out the work of the executive branch. This latter avenue is almost always easer to approach as well as being a less expensive way to go than a lawsuit and less political than legislation. Most always petitioning an administrative agency is quicker and a better use of resources as well as being more effective way of organizing broad support and community engagement.

How exactly does one go about petitioning those relatively obscure branches of government that effect our daily lives? I'm talking about the federal, state and local administrative agencies many of whom serve to assure order in our everyday life.

These are the administrative branches that put the many laws into effect and sees to there enforcement. They oversee our law agencies, our quality of water, enforce safety standards in our workplace and food supplies and regulate the chemicals that are used in agricultural applications. They also prevent discrimination in housing and protect the consumer from potentially harmful products. There is an agency that regulates or oversees almost everything in our lives. From air quality to children's toys, a federal, state or local government agency oversees it for the citizens will being.

Business and professional groups know all to well the outstretched arm of the government. They know how to petition agencies to soften the impact of the laws that govern their conduct. Ordinary people who would like to make government work for them should also know how to petition the many agencies that effect them. Any citizen can petition the court, local council or any governing body that oversees the public interest.

The Petitioning process can also be used to hold nongovernmental organizational accountable. The analysis, strategies, and tactics can be used on organizations as diverse as the World Bank, Amtrak, the United Way, the Aviation Industry and even foundations. There are also other solutions available if the application lies within other types of organizations. The petitioning process is seen as a tool for organizing people's concerns into a cohesive plan of action.

It is the duty of every citizen to assure their safety and well being is not being infringed upon. Zoning laws, right-of-ways, public parks, schools, and other public facilities belong to the public and if government is abusing these public entities, they should be challenged. Citizen to citizen grievances can also be addressed by local, state or federal agencies.

First decide if it is in your best interest to file a petition and second be prepared to defend your rights. Like any endeavor, you must weigh the effort against the possible outcome. Is the grievance justified and is it worth the time it will take to initiate and it? These are questions only you can supply. You have the right to petition if you have a grievance, as granted in the Constitution, but don't abuse it.