Interest groups aim to influence government policy and legislation without seeking election.
They engage in educating the public, lobbying officials, and amplifying their causes through media.
They may represent a broad range of interests or focus on specific issues.
Purpose of an Interest Group
The purpose of an interest group is to influence policy outcomes in government.
These groups, also referred to as advocacy groups or lobbying groups, do not seek to be elected but are determined to encourage or prevent changes in public policy. Interest groups provide a means of representing people, serving as a link between them and the government, and they often work earnestly to influence public policy by educating the public, galvanizing support around their cause, lobbying government officials, participating in electioneering to support sympathetic candidates, and using media to bring attention to issues.
Interest groups can represent a broad set of interests or focus on a single issue.
They include organizations like businesses, corporations, governments, and voluntary membership groups.
These groups often provide information and expert testimony to policymakers and the public, aiming to garner more support and influence decision-making processes.
By organizing rallies, promoting get-out-the-vote efforts, and even participating in lobbying, interest groups actively work to affect legislation.
They may address collective action problems by offering member incentives and tend to be more effective when they are small, wealthy, or well-organized.