Final answer:
Lobby groups like the NRA are focused on influencing legislation in line with their interests, such as gun rights. They engage in monitoring, lobbying, advocacy, and political participation activities to promote their agenda and oppose opposing legislation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary purpose of lobby groups such as the National Rifle Association (NRA) is to influence legislation based on their beliefs. As a membership organization, the NRA consists of individuals who join voluntarily to promote gun rights and oppose legislation that restricts the sale or distribution of guns and ammunition. Their activities include monitoring government activities, serving as a political participation conduit for members, and providing information to the public and to lawmakers. The NRA supports candidates sympathetic to their views to gain access once they are in office and opposes legislation counter to their interests, such as background checks for firearm purchases or restriction on gun rights.
Interest groups like the NRA track proposed bills that affect their cause, engage in both inside and outside lobbying, and facilitate political participation through advocacy, public information dissemination, and organizing rallies. They may also rally members around certain events or political changes to strengthen their cause.