Thought Leadership

Political Interest Groups

A political interest group is any organized group of individuals who share common goals and who seek to influence the government’s decision making. For example, the National Rifle Association, the Sierra Club, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce etc. Even college students are represented by interest groups - for instance, the coalition of Independent College and University Students and the United States Student Association.

Interest groups differ from political parties. The party’s ultimate goal is to contest and win elections in order to control and operate government. On the other hand, interest groups put forth a limited set of demands. Interest groups do not run candidates for office or attempt to control or operate government. Their primary concern is to influence policy that affects their own area of interest.

Interest groups differ in size, make-up and varying objectives. They play a prominent role in making members of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government more aware of the needs and concerns of various segments of the population. Interest groups believe that common goals are best served by collective action.

Economic Interest Groups

Among interest groups, business labor, professional, and agricultural groups are the most enduring and powerful types.  There are numerous corporations that employ lobbyists who address their concerns in Washington. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has a membership of more than 250,000 individuals and companies; the business Roundtable is made up of approximately 200 of the largest industrial, commercial, and financial business in the nation; and many other groups. These associations represent some of the collective interests of corporate America. Interest groups are particular about government regulations that may affect the way a company does business. The National Cable Television Association, for example, closely monitors government regulations covering the cable industry regulations that may have an impact on its cost of operations and earning capacity.

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of industrial organizations (AFL-CIO) is an umbrella organization consisting of ninety-six labor unions. It has more than 17 million members. Along with the United Auto Workers, the Teamsters, and many other labor organizations, the AFL-CIO has for many years represented the interests of labor in the state capitals and in Washington. Individual labor unions also lobby independently of the umbrella groups.  Professional associations also bring the economic interests of their particular membership to the government’s attention. Two of the most powerful groups, the American Bankers Association and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America have larger lobbying budget as well as full time staff in Washington and in many state capitals.

Citizen Activist Groups

Not all shared interests are purely economic. Some citizen activist groups represent interests which they feel may affect the general public .Therefore, they are also called Public interest groups.  Public interest groups such as Common Cause have always tried to represent what they see as the public’s interests on such issues as civil rights, consumer protection, campaign reform, etc.

Single Issue Groups

A cause with an extremely narrow focus becomes known as a single issue group. For example, the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Gun Owners of America work to preserve the right of Americans to own handguns and rifles. The National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) fight for legislation and court decisions that protect the right of women to have abortions.

Some citizen activist groups serve as advocates for persons who may be unable to represent their own interests individually. For instance, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Child Welfare League of America, and the American Cancer Society assist their target populations by lobbying, providing the public with information, and taking cases to court. Other advocacy groups focus on such issues as women’s rights, gay rights, and racial equality etc. Many of their supporters may not benefit directly from their advocacy role, however they believe in the goals of the group.

Government Related Interest Groups

Governments not only receive pressure from lobbyists; they also act as lobbyists. San Francisco, Baltimore, Chicago, etc. are only a partial list of cities that have lobbyists representing their interest in Washington on concern ranging from budget and appropriation legislation to welfare, housing, and transportation.

In addition, a number of associations of government officials represent the collective interest of their members. These organizations include the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the International City Management Association, etc. As local and state governments have come to depend on Washington for funds, the need for effective representation has increased and lobbies have become the principal means of achieving that representation.     

Lobbyists

A lobbyist is an individual who works for a specific interest group or who serve as the spokesperson for a specific set of interests. Lobbyists engage in the act of lobbying that is, they try to affect government decision making by influencing legislators and members of the executive branch to support or reject certain policies or legislation. Some interest groups maintain their own staff of full time lobbyists; others hire a lobbying firm to represent them in Washington or in various state capitals. Increasingly, lobbying has become a professional, full time occupation. Many lobbyists are lawyers, former members of the executive branch or of congress, and former employees of the hundreds of federal agencies. Government experience and contacts, along with an accumulated expertise, are valuable assets of lobbying strategies.