What does lobbyism mean?
Lobbyism is the practice of trying to influence government decisions, especially by persuading legislators, ministers, and other officials. It may be conducted by individuals, corporations, professional associations, advocacy organizations, or other interested groups, and it can involve meetings, campaigns, research, public relations, and financial support for political causes. The word can denote the activity itself or the influence enjoyed by a lobby, a body of people who seek access to decision-makers. Although lobbyism is part of democratic political life because it gives outside groups a means to present their interests, it can attract criticism when access and influence appear disproportionate, opaque, or contrary to the public interest. The term is related to, but broader than, lobbying as a particular technique. Understanding lobbyism is useful because many policies are influenced not only by formal argument and public opinion, but also by organized pressure behind the scenes.
nounThe activity or practice of trying to influence government decisions, especially by persuading elected officials or public administrators. It can also refer to the influence or power possessed by organized groups pursuing such objectives.
- The activity or practice of attempting to influence government decisions, particularly by approaching or persuading legislators, ministers, or other officials.
- The influence or power exercised by an organized group seeking access to or consideration by government officials.
"The committee exposed the covert lobbyism behind the new environmental regulations."
"Consumer groups accused the industry of engaging in aggressive lobbyism against the proposed labeling law."
"Years of public campaign-finance scrutiny have changed the way political lobbyism is conducted."
Rare and usually used only for distinct kinds, campaigns, or spheres of political influence; lobbyism is ordinarily an uncountable noun.
"The report contrasts corporate lobbyisms in the energy and telecommunications sectors."
Every policy dispute has a visible debate and an invisible lobby: the organized effort to influence what the debate becomes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lobbyism come from?
Lobbyism was formed from lobby and the suffix -ism, a combining form meaning an activity, system, or distinctive practice. The political sense of lobby developed from the antechamber of a legislative chamber where interested visitors waited to speak with members. By the nineteenth century, lobbyist and lobbyism were established labels for people engaged in seeking political influence and for the practice of doing so.
Related word forms
How lobbyism is actually used
The term is often neutral when describing organized political advocacy, but critics may use it to suggest improper or disproportionate influence over public policy. It is sometimes used more broadly to refer to lobbying as a social or institutional phenomenon.
Easily confused with lobbyism
Lobbying names the activity of seeking influence, whereas lobbyism can name that activity as a whole, a broader social phenomenon, or the influence wielded by organized interests.