Question

While interest groups and political parties each play a significant role in the United States political system, they differ in their fundamental goals.

a. Identify the fundamental goal of interest groups in the political process.
b. Identify the fundamental goal of major political parties in the political process.
c. Describe two different ways by which interest groups support the fundamental goal of political parties in the political process.
d. For one of the forms of support you described in part c, explain two different ways in which that form of support helps interest groups to achieve their fundamental goal in the political process.

Answer 1

Interest groups focus on influencing public policy, while political parties aim to win elections and govern. Interest groups support political parties through endorsements and campaign contributions, which in turn helps them influence policy and gain access to legislators.

Step-by-step explanation:

Differences Between Interest Groups and Political Parties

Interest groups and political parties both play significant roles in the U.S. political system, but they have different fundamental goals. The principal goal of interest groups in the political process is to influence public policy without directly seeking elective office. Conversely, the key goal of political parties is to win elections and govern by electing their candidates to office, thereby directly controlling the operation of the government.

How Interest Groups Support Political Parties

Interest groups can support the goal of political parties in two key ways:

1. By providing endorsements, which help candidates from political parties gain credibility and attract votes.
2. Through campaign contributions, which assist political parties in funding and promoting their candidates.

Beneficial Relationship

One form of support from interest groups to political parties is campaign contributions. This form of support helps interest groups achieve their goals in two ways:

1. Interest groups can steer public policies in their favor by financially supporting candidates who endorse their issues.
2. By contributing to political campaigns, interest groups gain access to legislators and can lobby more effectively for their policy preferences.