What is an interest group?

An interest group is defined as a group of people who possess common goals and organize to influence government.

How Interest Groups Function

• Bridge the gap between the citizen and the government.
• Citizens voice their "wants" or goals to government leaders.
o The President
o Congress
o City Council
o State legislators

Difference between Political Parties and Interest Groups.

1. Political parties nominate candidates for office and try to win elections
2. Interest groups support candidates who like the group's ideas, but they do not nominate candidates.
3. Interest groups are concerned with few issues or problems whereas political parties are broad-based organizations.
4. Interest groups are based on common beliefs, goals, values whereas political parties are based on geographic location.

How Effective is an interest group?

 An interest group has a stronger consulting position with leaders in government.
 An interest group can influence beyond the power of its individual members.

“Studies have shown that people on lower socioeconomic levels are less likely to join such groups….. while the opportunity to join together to influence government is a right of all, the people who might benefit most do not often exercise that right” (Remy, p. 286).

The Leader’s Role in an Interest Group.

1. Strengthen the political power of the group
2. Keep members informed of group activities through telephone calls, letters, or newsletters
3. Head speaker of the group
4. Choose people who contact government officials
5. Plan the group’s strategy
6. Manage all financial decisions of the group