This book deals with congressional lobbying which is defined as a concerted effort designed to achieve some result, typically from government authorities and elected officials. It can consist of the outreach of legislative members, public actions (eg mass demonstrations), or combinations of both public and private actions (eg encouraging constituents to contact their legislative representatives). As a professional occupation it is also known as 'government affairs' or 'public affairs'. Practitioners may work in specialist organisations or as part of government relations or as public relations consultancies.