What is one way interest groups exert influence on policy decisions?

Interest groups play a significant role in influencing policy decisions, and one primary method they use is lobbying legislators. This process involves direct interactions between representatives of interest groups and lawmakers, where they seek to persuade politicians to support specific legislation or policy initiatives that align with their goals.

Lobbying allows these groups to present information, research, and arguments that favor their positions, and it often includes providing data that highlights the potential benefits or consequences of certain policies. By establishing relationships with policymakers, interest groups can effectively advocate for their interests and work to shape the legislative agenda in a way that reflects their priorities.

The other options, while they can also influence policy in different contexts, do not primarily center around the direct engagement with legislators that defines lobbying. Forming governing coalitions involves the collaboration of parties or groups to achieve a common objective, which is distinct from the focused effort of lobbying individual lawmakers. Public protests and demonstrations can raise awareness and pressure decision-makers, but they are more indirect forms of influence. Conducting referendums involves the electorate directly voting on specific issues, which is a democratic process but does not represent the targeted effort of interest groups to influence legislators directly through lobbying activities.