Lobbying by a special interest group refers to efforts made by a group to influence policymakers on specific issues. In the context of the provided options:
1. An animal rights organization presents its views to a legislator - This is an example of lobbying by a special interest group. The organization is advocating for its cause to a lawmaker to influence potential legislation related to animal rights.
2. A group of citizens asks city officials for a schedule of public hearings - This is not an example of lobbying by a special interest group. While citizens are engaging with city officials, they are not advocating for a specific interest group's agenda.
3. A hotel association develops a plan to attract more tourists - This is not an example of lobbying by a special interest group. The hotel association's focus is on promoting tourism rather than directly influencing policymakers on specific issues.
4. A neighborhood association backs a group of candidates for an upcoming election - This could potentially be considered a form of lobbying by a special interest group. By supporting candidates who align with their interests, the neighborhood association is attempting to influence policy decisions through the election process.
Therefore, in the given options, the animal rights organization presenting its views to a legislator and the neighborhood association backing candidates for an election are examples of lobbying by special interest groups.
