Which of the following must register as a federal lobbyist?

The requirement to register as a federal lobbyist is based on specific thresholds that must be met regarding the financial aspects of lobbying activities. In this context, the correct answer identifies that individuals who receive over $5,000 for lobbying activities within a six-month period must register. This monetary threshold delineates who qualifies as a lobbyist under federal law, creating a clear line that separates casual or infrequent contacts with legislators from professional lobbying efforts.

Registration helps ensure transparency in the lobbying process, allowing for public accountability regarding who is influencing legislative and regulatory decisions. By setting this financial benchmark, the law aims to capture those individuals or entities engaging in significant lobbying activities that warrant regulatory oversight.

The other options are not sufficient to establish federal lobbying status. For example, simply contacting a legislator once does not meet the criteria for registration, nor does working less than 20% of one’s time on lobbying activities. Additionally, not all employees of lobbying firms are required to register, as registration typically focuses on those who engage in lobbying on a substantive level rather than all personnel within a firm.