Interest group

Interest group is a term that refers to an organized group of individuals that seeks to influence public policy. This can include a wide range of organizations such as non-profit organizations, business groups, unions, and professional associations. Interest groups are a fundamental aspect of the political process in many countries, particularly those with democratic systems of governance.

Definition

An interest group is defined as any organization that seeks to influence government decision-making and policy, without seeking to challenge or control political power directly. These groups may be of a political nature and are often used to represent the political views of their members, who may have common business, social, political, or other interests.

Types of Interest Groups

Interest groups can be categorized into different types based on their goals and the strategies they use to achieve them. The main types of interest groups include:

• Economic Interest Groups: These groups are often formed to represent the economic interests of their members. They can include business groups, labor unions, trade associations, and professional associations.

• Public Interest Groups: These groups seek to represent issues that impact the general public, rather than just their members. They often focus on issues such as the environment, consumer rights, and civil liberties.

• Government Interest Groups: These groups represent the interests of government entities such as cities, states, and foreign governments.

• Political Interest Groups: These groups are formed to influence the political process. They can include political action committees (PACs), super PACs, and 527 groups.

Influence and Criticism

Interest groups play a significant role in shaping public policy and decision-making processes. They often have a strong influence on the political process, particularly in democratic societies. However, they have also been criticized for their role in politics. Critics argue that some interest groups have too much power and can distort the democratic process by representing narrow interests rather than the broader public interest.

See Also

• Lobbying
• Political Action Committee
• Non-profit organization
• Union
• Professional association

References

Interest group Resources
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