Background information on lobbying will help secondary and college students and adults develop a clearer understanding of how U.S. democracy works. Discussed are what lobbying is, who the lobbyists are, lobby regulation, and the different kinds of lobbying groups. As an example of the environment within which lobbyists work, lobbying efforts surrounding air pollution are described. There was a time when the American public believed, with some justification, that "The Interests" owned legislators. While abuses still occur, lobbying has become the means by which large numbers of citizens participate in the processes of modern government. To operate actively as part of a pressure group may seem selfish and short-sighted to those on the other side of a contested issue, but it is a way of taking part. If such an operation is honest and intelligent, it becomes an important contribution to government in a representative democracy. (RM)