Question

what are attempts by public officials in one part of the government to influence their counterparts elsewhere—in another branch, or at a different (state or local) level of government?

Answer 1

The term you are looking for is "lobbying". It refers to any attempt by individuals or private interest groups to influence the decisions of government. Lobbying can occur in different forms and can be directed at different levels of government. For example, lobbying can be directed at influencing the votes of legislators. Lobbyists also seek to influence government officials in the executive branch, like the president, governors, and employees at the state and federal agencies and regulatory bodies.