Final answer:
Astroturf lobbying is the practice where interest groups create a false impression of grassroots support for their causes. This contrasts with authentic grassroots movements that organically gather widespread public backing and pressurize policymakers through genuine community action.
Step-by-step explanation:
Astroturf lobbying occurs when interest groups generate phony letters, emails, and phone calls in order to resemble a grassroots movement. Unlike genuine grassroots movements which begin from the bottom-up among a community and advocate for an issue based on widespread public support, astroturfing attempts to create the appearance of widespread public support where little to none actually exists. Interest groups engage in this practice to influence public opinion and sway policy decisions in their favor. In contrast to this artificial tactic, genuine grassroots lobbying involves mobilizing the public to exert pressure on policymakers to address certain issues, such as with the movement to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom, or the protests carried out by the Kings Bay Plowshares 7 and Extinction Rebellion.