Final answer:
Interest groups are organizations that operate outside of government to influence public policy and decision-making in favor of their members' interests, ranging from economic concerns to social issues. They include various types like economic interest groups, professional associations, and corporate lobbyists.
Step-by-step explanation:
A collection of interest groups that function outside of government to organize economic and other aspects of life is commonly referred to as social movements or interest groups. These can include a wide range of organizations such as economic interest groups (like business groups, labor unions, and professional associations), advocacy groups, lobbying groups, pressure groups, and special interest groups. They are determined to encourage or prevent changes in public policy without seeking election to government positions. Their efforts are directed towards influencing government decision-making and public policy, often through the use of lobbyists or lobbying firms. Interest groups represent a diverse array of economic aspects including agriculture, health, finance, and many more, and they can be as varied in their goals as influencing government budget allocations or regulatory measures.
An example of an economic interest group is the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which wants more collective bargaining rights for workers. Professional associations like the American Medical Association aim to support professional issues and concerns. On the corporate side, companies like Verizon and Coca-Cola may engage lobbyists to influence policy that benefits their business interests.