Final answer:
Lobbying is a method used by individuals or groups to communicate with government officials to influence legislation, involving both direct (face-to-face contact, drafting legislation) and indirect (mobilizing constituents to apply pressure) strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Communication with lawmakers and members of the government by an individual or a group to influence the passage of legislation is the definition of lobbying. Today, lobbying goes beyond traditional in-person meetings; it includes a variety of methods from social media and email campaigns to phone calls. However, face-to-face communication remains a highly effective strategy.
Indirect lobbying, also known as grassroots or outside lobbying, involves mobilizing interest group members to contact their elected officials. This is a persuasive form of lobbying because it shows legislators the views of their constituents, which can influence their re-election prospects.
Inside lobbying, or direct lobbying, refers to interest groups directly contacting government officials, such as helping to draft legislation or testifying in legislative hearings. Many lobbyists utilize these inside tactics, maintaining contact with lawmakers and executive agencies to push for their interest group's agenda.