Final answer:
The Sierra Club is a special interest group dedicated to environmental conservation and policy change, founded by John Muir. It has significantly influenced environmental policies through advocacy, education, and lobbying.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Sierra Club, which has more than 3 million members, is an example of a special interest group. Founded by John Muir, a leading conservationist of the early twentieth century, the Sierra Club has been a prominent player in the environmental movement, playing a significant role in policy making through lobbying, public education, and acts of civil disobedience. With historical events like their march on Los Angeles City Hall to protest the development of the Keystone pipeline and their commitment to preserving the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Sierra Club is a classic example of how special interest groups work to promote their causes.
Special interest groups such as the Sierra Club are characterized by having a small relative number in comparison to the nation but are well-organized and focused on specific issues. They are known to influence policymaking and engage in various activities to publicize their objectives and recruit members, such as establishing websites like the Save Our Environment Action Center and pooling databases to reach a wider audience. Additionally, they can pressure legislators to enact public policies that align with their environmental goals.