Lobbying
Advocacy to influence policy decisions through direct contact with lawmakers.
Lobbying is a form of advocacy that legally attempts to influence policy decisions made by legislators, members of regulatory agencies in the executive branch, or in some cases judges. It is the main and most well known component of government relations, consisting of directly advocating for or against particular legislation or regulations. The work of advocates and lobbyists generally includes activities that require direct contact with lawmakers, policymakers, or their staff; most often professional lobbyists require entry in a lobby register as a registered lobbyist, while most other advocates do not.
- field
- Government relations, public affairs, advocacy
- known_for
- Attempting to influence policy decisions through direct contact with legislators and officials
- methods
- Direct meetings, amicus curiae briefs, campaign finance contributions, coalition building
- types
- Inside lobbying (direct interaction) and outside lobbying (mobilizing public opinion)
- etymology_origin
- Medieval Latin lobia or lobium (gallery, hall, or portico); later associated with UK Parliament hallways
Lore & Background
In pre-modern political systems, royal courts provided incidental opportunities for gaining the ear of monarchs and their councilors. The architectural sense of lobby is believed to originate from the medieval Latin lobia or lobium, which refers to a gallery, hall, or portico. This architectural sense was later adopted to describe the practice of advocating or debating in such spaces. According to a BBC report, an OED lexicographer has shown that 'lobbying' finds its roots in the gathering of Members of Parliament and peers in the hallways ('lobbies') of the United Kingdom Houses of Parliament before and after parliamentary debates where members of the public can meet their representatives.
Reader's Guide
Lobbying involves direct meetings with legislators to influence policy decisions based on their political interests and goals. It can be carried out by various entities, including individuals acting as constituents, corporations, nonprofits, NGOs through advocacy groups, interest groups, and political action committees. Some government relations practices may include the use of campaign finance by contributing endorsements for political candidates and proposed public policies. According to a 2025 review of research on lobbying, three effects have been documented: lobbyists have transactional relationships with public officials exchanging money for political access and influence; lobbyists persuade public officials by providing information that changes policymakers' positions; and successful mobilization of citizen support or lobbying coalitions helps lobbyists attain policy aims. Lobbying can be categorized as inside lobbying, which directly interacts with decision-makers, or outside lobbying, which pressures decision-makers through mobilization of public opinion.
Did You Know?
- The term 'lobbying' appeared in print as early as 1820, referring to senators 'lobbying about the Representatives' Chamber'.
- One story held that the term originated at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., used by President Ulysses S. Grant to describe political advocates who frequented the hotel's lobby.
- The OED cites numerous documented uses of the word well before Grant's presidency, including use in Pennsylvania as early as 1808.
- Lobbyists may use amicus curiae briefs to try to influence court cases, as the NAACP did in the 1950s to challenge segregation laws.
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