Lobby

Lobby is a group of like-minded people banded together to influence an authoritative body, or, as a verb, to exert that influence (i.e., to lobby). A lobby is typically formed to influence government officials to act in a way that is beneficial to the lobby’s best interests, either through favorable legislation or by blocking unfavorable measures. Lobby groups consist of individuals, groups and companies and can be particularly active and well-funded by certain industries. Because of the negative effect lobbies can have by essentially circumventing the democratic process, some countries feel the need to regulate their activities.