What action involves groups of people trying to influence policy decisions?

Lobbying is the action that specifically involves groups of people attempting to influence policy decisions. This process typically includes organized efforts by interest groups or advocates who seek to persuade lawmakers or government officials to support particular legislation, regulations, or government actions that align with their interests.

Lobbying can take various forms, such as providing information, engaging in discussions with legislators, or mobilizing public support for certain issues. It directly targets decision-makers to affect the creation or modification of policies, making it a critical component of the democratic process where various constituencies can express their viewpoints and influence outcomes.

In contrast, monitoring refers to observation or tracking of policies or issues, advising typically involves providing expert guidance without directly influencing decisions, and collaborating suggests working together towards a common goal but does not specifically focus on influencing policy. Thus, lobbying is distinct in its targeted approach to altering or shaping governmental policies.