Final answer:
No, the statement is not true. Political parties and interest groups differ in their primary functions; political parties aim to elect candidates and govern, while interest groups seek to influence policy on specific issues without directly seeking governmental control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that political parties and interest groups are the same because they run candidates for office, focus on a variety of issues, and help staff the government is not entirely true. While both entities engage in political activities and aim to influence policy, their primary functions and methods are different. Political parties are concerned with electing candidates and gaining control of the government to implement policies and are organized around shared political ideologies. They nominate candidates, guide party members on legislative matters, and provide a party platform to express their policy positions.
In contrast, interest groups do not run candidates for office but instead seek to influence policy makers and public opinion on specific issues. They may support candidates who align with their goals, but they do not seek direct control over government. Interest groups may have narrow focuses or represent specific constituencies. Unlike political parties, they may work with any politician across the political spectrum if it aligns with their goals. Therefore, while there is some overlap in that both can influence elections and government policies, their core objectives and operations are distinct.
The function and dynamics of political parties and interest groups indicate that they are not 'basically the same thing,' as political parties seek to govern by winning elections, whereas interest groups aim to influence those in power without seeking to govern themselves.