Final answer:
The great majority of public interest lobbies were established due to the increasing diversity of social and political interests, technological advances, and the desire for civic engagement. They represent public causes and have risen notably over the past decades, leveraging sophisticated lobbying strategies and sometimes turning to the courts to effect change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The great majority of public interest lobbies were established in response to the growing complexity of issues and the increasing number of interests in society. Over the past few decades, there has been a significant rise in the formation of such groups, coinciding with the professionalization of lobbying and advancements in lobbying techniques. Public interest groups advocate for a variety of causes, from consumer protection to environmental preservation, and address the interests of the wider public, as opposed to purely economic interests.
These groups have arisen as a result of technological advances, increased specialization of industry, and the fragmentation of various social and political interests. They've also been established as a way for people to become more civically engaged and to exert collective influence over government decision-making. It's important to note that not all public interest groups have the same level of resources to hire specialized lobbying firms, but many strive to have their voices heard in the political arena nonetheless.
Historically, the rise of interest groups has been tied to societal changes, such as the industrial revolution and social movements like workers' rights and prohibition. In more recent times, public interest lobbies have also turned to the courts to advance their causes, as seen in landmark cases such as Brown vs. Board of Education, which advanced civil rights and set precedents for future legal challenges by interest groups.