Any attempt by a group or individual to influence the decisions of government. The term originated in 19th-century efforts to influence the votes of legislators, generally in the lobby outside a legislative chamber. The effort may be a direct appeal to a decision maker in either the executive or legislative branches, or it may be indirect (e.g., through attempts to influence public opinion). It may include oral or written efforts of persuasion, campaign contributions, public-relations campaigns, research supplied to legislative committees, and formal testimony before such committees. A lobbyist may be a member of a special-interest group, a professional willing to represent any group, or a private individual. In the U.S., the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act (1946) requires that lobbyists and the groups they represent register and report contributions and expenditures
An accepted practice in the democratic process whereby individuals or groups seek to make their views known to politicians in the hope of influencing decision-making Lower House: One of the two houses in a bicameral system In New South Wales, the Legislative Assembly
Efforts by any group or organization to influence legislation Lobbying activities by public charities are limited by Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code, and with some exceptions, lobbying by private foundations is prohibited Efforts by such organizations for self-defense issues, when asked to testify, or for nonpartisan research and analysis are generally considered exceptions to the lobbying restrictions
{i} act of attempting to convince public officials to favor a certain cause or take a certain action
Efforts to influence legislation by influencing the opinion of legislators, legislative staff and government administrators directly involved in drafting legislative proposals The Internal Revenue Code sets limits on lobbying by organizations that are exempt from tax under Section 501(c)(3) Public charities (see Public Charity) may lobby as long as lobbying does not become a substantial part of their activities Private foundations (see Private Foundations) generally may not lobby except in limited circumstances such as on issues affecting their tax-exempt status or the deductibility of gifts to them Conducting nonpartisan analysis and research and disseminating the results to the public generally is not lobbying for purposes of these restrictions
Activities that are aimed at influencing public officials, especially legislators, and help influence the policies they enact Internet Link- Los Angeles City Ethics Commission - campaign finance disclosure, lobbying program, and governmental ethics: http: //www lacity org/ETH This link will take you to an article on 'The Fall of a Giant: Enron's Campaign Contributions and Lobbying': http: //www opensecrets org/alerts/v6/alertv6_31 asp
To attempt to influence the thinking of legislators or other public officials for or against a specific cause
Activity engaged in by individuals or organizations (directly or through hired representatives) that is directed to elements of government in an attempt to influence legislation or policies in a way that is favorable to the interests of the lobbying group
any activity designed to influence a Member of Congress to favor or oppose any legislation (including appropriation), whether before or after the introduction of any bill or resolution proposing such legislation Accordingly, OSM grant funds may not be used to
Effort to influence government, business, and other organizations by means of such activities as letter writing, petitioning or telephoning official representatives
in public relations, directly interacting with elected officials or government regulators and agents