Lobbying & Advocacy — Glossary

Efforts by individuals or groups to influence public policy and decision-making processes.

An organized group that seeks to influence public policy and decision-making to benefit a specific cause or interest.

Civil society comprises organizations and groups outside government that influence public policy and community life.

Casual discussions and negotiations outside of formal sessions aimed at gaining support for resolutions or amendments.

A stable, mutually beneficial relationship among bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and legislative committees that shapes policy outcomes.

Legal requirements for lobbyists to publicly report their activities and expenditures to promote transparency.

The Lobbying Disclosure Act requires lobbyists to register and report their activities to increase transparency in government influence.

Regulations requiring lobbyists and interest groups to report their activities and expenditures to increase transparency.

A political theory that recognizes the diversity of interest groups competing to influence policy.

An organization that collects and spends money to influence elections and legislation, often representing interest groups. PACs play a major role in campaign financing.

A person who advocates on behalf of interest groups to influence government policy and legislation.

A situation where regulatory agencies advance the commercial or political concerns of special interest groups that dominate the industry they regulate.

The movement of personnel between roles as legislators or regulators and positions in industries affected by the legislation or regulation.

Political donations made to parties or organizations for general purposes not regulated by federal campaign finance laws.

An organization that conducts research and provides advice on public policy issues to influence government decisions.