Lobbying refers to: a. the attempts to shape public opinion through online campaigns. b. the evaluation of performance of legislators based on how often they have voted with an interest group's position on particular issues. c. the indirect techniques used by government officials to gain the confidence of interest groups. d. the peaceful demonstrations that are designed to make a statement about a group's interests. e. the direct attempts by individuals or organizations to influence administrative decisions of government.

Answer: E. The direct attempts by individuals or organisations to influence administrative decisions of government

Explanation: Lobbying as such is a practice in every political system. In its essential, meaningful sense, it means influencing the one who makes the law, which law the legislator will vote for and under what conditions. Of course, lobbying can also have an impact on other branches of government, if they are influential, and this is primarily thought of how that lobbying will affect government decisions. The very name of lobbying comes from the place where such talks take place, in lobbies outside the legislature.