A central concept in group theory is that of access. To have influence and to be able to help shape governmental decisions, a group must have access, or the opportunity to contact and express its viewpoints to decision-makers. Obviously, if a group is unable to communicate with decision-makers, if no one in government will listen , its chances of affecting policymaking are slim.Access may result from the group's being organized, from its having status, good leadership, or resources such as money for campaign contributions. Social lobbying- the wining, dining, and entertaining of legislators and other public officials- can be understood as an effort to create access by engendering feeling of obligation to the groups involved. Then, when a group wishes to discuss policy matters with an official, it will have an opportunity to present its case or have its telephone calls returned. Contributions to legislators by political action committees (PACs) are also often justified as a way of acquiring or maintaining access.