In order to sway a decision about a legislative or administrative action, lobbying is the practice of directly approaching or encouraging others to approach a member of the legislative, executive, or quasi-public bodies of government.
It encompasses any efforts made by people, organized organizations, or other lawmakers to sway lawmakers and authorities. "Lobbying" (also spelled "lobby") is a form of advocacy with the intention of influencing decisions made by the government by individuals or more commonly by lobby groups.
In a letter to a member of Congress, a Duke official requests that they abstain from voting on an amendment that would be presented during the bill's discussion. This is lobbying since it offers a viewpoint on a specific piece of legislation.
