Final answer:
Grassroots movements originate organically at the community level, engaging citizens in direct activism to enact social change, while AstroTurf movements appear grassroots but are driven by elite interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
Grassroots movements are fascinating expressions of civic engagement where social change originates from the bottom up, driven by community-based participation. One example is the Tea Party, which, despite having characteristics of a grassroots movement, is actually considered an astroturf movement due to its backing by wealthy sponsors and elite interests, such as those connected to FreedomWorks and the Koch brothers. On the other hand, 'true' grassroots movements rely on voluntary participation in public demonstrations, marches, and various forms of activism to influence policymakers and society at large.
Furthermore, grassroots lobbying, exemplified by efforts to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom, mobilizes public support to pressure political actors. Similarly, groups like Extinction Rebellion engage in radical activism, employing extreme measures to draw attention to urgent causes such as the climate crisis. In contrast to AstroTurf movements, legitimate grassroots efforts are typically characterized by high levels of voluntary participation and community-driven goals, rather than top-down initiatives designed to give the appearance of widespread public support.