Which activity involves putting a case to government officials to win support?

• A. Corporate political activity
• B. Lobbying
• C. Public affairs
• D. Advocacy

Answer: (B)

Directly presenting arguments and evidence to government officials to gain their support is lobbying. This activity is about targeted influence of policymakers to shape specific legislation or regulatory decisions, often involving briefings, meetings, and tailored arguments to persuade decision-makers.

Public affairs, by contrast, covers a broader range of relationship-building with various stakeholders—government, media, communities—to influence policy and public opinion, not just a direct push to obtain official support. Advocacy refers to promoting a position or cause in the public sphere and can include lobbying, but it encompasses wider campaigning, coalitions, and education beyond direct persuasion of officials. Corporate political activity is the overall set of political actions by a company, with lobbying being a key component within that broader umbrella.