An interest group is a formal organization of people, sharing one or more common concern. It tries to influence legislation and elections by lobbying. It endorses or rejects candidates nominated by political parties. It also conducts systematic educational or propaganda campaigns designed to promote or oppose specific decisions.

Owing to increased specialization of human activity, groups of persons with similar interests, that are not specially represented by members of legislative bodies, have come into existence. Such organizations differ widely; they may be large or small, permanent or temporary, rich or poor, powerful or weak. It is impossible to calculate their exact number. Generally interest groups are small agencies actively supported by a small minority, having some interest in common. Thus their appeal is narrow and their program limited. Unlike the political parties which are mainly interested in winning control of and operating the government, the interest groups are mainly interested in shaping public policy.

Index

11.0 - Introduction
11.1 Types of Interest Groups
11.2 The Functions of Interest Groups
11.3 The Tactics of Interest Groups
11.4 The Mass Media and Political Coverage

Chapter 12