Final answer:
A strategy employed by interest groups that uses third parties to influence government officials is known as indirect or grassroots lobbying. This includes tactics such as issuing press releases, media campaigns, and mobilizing the public to apply pressure on policymakers.
Step-by-step explanation:
A strategy employed by interest groups that uses third parties to influence government officials is known as indirect lobbying. This method includes tactics such as issuing press releases, influencing the media, fostering coalitions with other groups, and enlisting the public's help to exert pressure on lawmakers. These outside lobbying, or grassroots lobbying, efforts are designed to create public pressure that prompts governmental action. This contrasts with inside lobbying, where lobbyists cultivate direct relationships within the government.
An example of indirect lobbying is when an environmental group like the Sierra Club issues a press release regarding legislation they support or oppose, or when they encourage members to contact their congressional representatives. By raising awareness and creating pressure from a significant number of constituents, lawmakers are often compelled to consider the interest group's position more seriously.
Another related tactic is "Astroturfing", where interest groups create synthetic grassroots movements that appear to originate from the public but are actually orchestrated from the top down. Such movements can sway public opinion and influence policy by presenting the illusion of widespread public support.