Lobbying vs. Bribery — What's the Difference?

Engaging with lawmakers for policy change.

Giving or receiving an illicit payment.

Utilizing resources to effect decisions.

Corruption through the offer of money or favors.

The act of advocating for a specific cause or action.

The illegal practice of offering something of value to influence a decision.

Attempting to influence public officials.

An unlawful exchange to influence an official act.

In politics, lobbying, persuasion, or interest representation is the act of lawfully attempting to influence the actions, policies, or decisions of government officials, most often legislators or members of regulatory agencies. Lobbying, which usually involves direct, face-to-face contact, is done by many types of people, associations and organized groups, including individuals in the private sector, corporations, fellow legislators or government officials, or advocacy groups (interest groups).

The act of manipulating decisions unlawfully.

A hall, foyer, or waiting room at or near the entrance to a building, such as a hotel or theater.

Bribery is defined by Black's Law Dictionary as the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official, or other person, in charge of a public or legal duty. With regard to governmental operations, essentially, bribery is "Corrupt solicitation, acceptance, or transfer of value in exchange for official action." Gifts of money or other items of value which are otherwise available to everyone on an equivalent basis, and not for dishonest purposes, is not bribery.

A public room next to the assembly chamber of a legislative body.

The giving or offering of a bribe

A group of persons engaged in trying to influence legislators or other public officials in favor of a specific cause

The act or practice of offering, giving, or taking a bribe.

To try to influence the thinking of legislators or other public officials for or against a specific cause

The making of illegal payment, or bribes, to persons in official positions as a means of influencing their decisions

To try to influence public officials on behalf of or against (proposed legislation, for example)

(legal) the activity of giving, offering or accepting bribes

To try to influence (an official) to take a desired action.

Robbery; extortion.

Present participle of lobby#Verb

The act or practice of giving or taking bribes; the act of influencing the official or political action of another by corrupt inducements.

The act of one who lobbies.

The practice of offering something (usually money) in order to gain an illicit advantage

A method of public persuasion.

Lobbying is generally legal and regulated, often requiring disclosure.

Lobbying works by persuading decision-makers through facts, data, and logical arguments.

If a lobbyist offers money or something of value to influence a decision, it becomes bribery.

Bribery is the illegal practice of offering something of value to influence a decision.

Bribery is secretive as it is illegal and involves illicit transactions.

Bribery is generally considered unethical and corrupt.

Lobbying is the legal act of attempting to influence decision-makers, typically through advocacy and persuasion.

The ethics of lobbying can vary, but it is generally accepted in democratic societies.

Bribery is illegal and can result in criminal charges.

Bribery works by offering something of value, usually money, to manipulate a decision.

Lobbying is generally transparent and subject to disclosure laws.

While generally legal, lobbying can be viewed as harmful if it disproportionately influences public policy in favor of special interests.

Yes, both are nouns and can be used as gerunds.

Almost anyone can engage in lobbying, including individuals, corporations, and advocacy groups.

Public officials, corporate executives, and other decision-makers can be targets of bribery.