What term describes putting pressure on the government to change their policies or laws?

The term that best describes putting pressure on the government to change their policies or laws is lobbying. Lobbying involves individuals or groups, often referred to as lobbyists, who engage in advocacy efforts to influence legislators or other public officials in favor of a specific cause or outcome. This process can involve various tactics, including direct communication with lawmakers, organizing campaigns to raise public awareness, and mobilizing constituents to express their views on certain issues.

In the context of business studies, understanding lobbying is crucial as it illustrates how businesses or interest groups can affect policy-making and regulatory environments. For example, businesses may lobby for tax breaks or favorable regulations, while non-profit organizations may lobby for changes in social policies.

Advocacy, while related, is a broader concept encompassing various efforts to promote a specific cause or policy, not solely focused on direct government engagement. Negotiation refers to discussions aimed at reaching agreements between parties, which can occur in various contexts, including business deals or conflict resolution, but it does not specifically address influencing government policies. Censorship involves suppressing or restricting information, which is unrelated to the act of pressuring governments for policy change.