How do lobbyists differ from political action committees (PACs)?

Lobbyists are individuals or groups who advocate for specific interests and seek to influence policymakers directly through meetings, research, and communication. In contrast, Political Action Committees (PACs) are organizations that collect and distribute funds to support political candidates, typically aligned with their interests. While lobbyists focus on advocacy and shaping legislation, PACs primarily engage in funding campaigns to promote candidates who favor their agendas. Both play significant roles in the political process but operate through different mechanisms.