lobbying

Government relations (also known as government affairs or legislative affairs), is a form of advocacy that legally attempts to influence and/or understand policy decisions made by legislators, members of regulatory agencies in the executive branch, or in some cases judges. Lobbying, a major and most well known component of government relations on the other hand, consists of "directly advocating for or against particular legislation or regulations."

The work of advocates and lobbyists generally include activities that require direct contact with lawmakers, policymakers, or their staff; most often professional lobbyists require entry in a lobby register as a registered lobbyist, while most other advocates do not. Although the profession of government relations, as well as the public affairs industry, are not exclusive to lobbyists, it also includes advocates and non-lobbyist government relations professionals that assist lobbyists or other influence efforts but are not legally classified as such. A principal is a person or organization that hires a lobbyist, or is a senior member of an organization or advocacy group that is advocating on behalf of itself or coordinates constituent meetings with lawmakers on behalf of interested individuals from the general public.