Final answer:
Public interest groups, also known as advocacy groups or special interests, are organizations that seek to influence government decision-making and public policy. They work towards improving society as a whole.
Step-by-step explanation:
Public interest groups, also known as advocacy groups, lobbying groups, or special interests, are organizations that seek to influence government decision-making and public policy without trying to be elected. They work towards improving society as a whole and cover a broad range of issues such as environmental protection, human rights, and consumer advocacy. One example of a public interest group is the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) established by Ralph Nader in 1971.