Final answer:
Lobbyists are the individuals who try to persuade lawmakers to support various policies and are typically hired by interest groups to represent their interests. They engage in activities such as discussing legislative proposals with officials, drafting policies, and mobilizing support.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individuals hired to persuade lawmakers to support certain policies are known as lobbyists. These professionals are most commonly employed by interest groups. Lobbyists engage in activities such as keeping their clients informed on legislative proposals, conversing with lawmakers and committees, drafting policy proposals, and mobilizing support among constituents.
Interest groups, which cover a variety of organizations and industries, hire lobbyists to ensure significant details are included in legislation and to help pass laws that align with their interests. Notably, formal lobbyists are required to register with the government they lobby, representing the interest of the organization and directly influencing policy.
Therefore, the best selection to complete the sentence is: Individuals who try to persuade lawmakers to support a policy are called lobbyists; they are most commonly hired by interest groups.