Free Response Question

Interest groups claim to be independent of political parties and often have a very narrow focus. Likewise, the money they receive is given by individuals and companies that have an interest in the subjects the interest group tries to influence. On the face of it, no politician running for office runs in the name of any interest group. Political parties represent a group of interests, very diverse and sometimes in conflict. The purpose of political parties is to get politicians elected to office because the selected politician seems to be the best one to represent and advance the diverse group of interests which supporters of the political party support, thus more directly connected to both the voting public and the offices held by elected officials. Special interest groups are not highly regulated and often not transparent. Political parties are subject to greater regulation. interest groups try to get the support of a specific legislator, when they get that support they help him or her with the campain / votes. They try and bug the legislator so they could get his support. With the support of a big name their specific issue can be heard. They send lobbyists to work.

Potential Group All the people who might be interest group members because they share some common interest. The potential group is always larger than the actual group. Actual Group The part of the potential group consisting of members who actually join. Most potential members do not feel the need to become part of the actual group (and pay the dues associated with membership) when they can reap the benefits of the group for free. In an attempt to curb this, a group might have selective benefits for due-paying members.