Interest Groups Influence The Government

This chapter mainly discusses the concept of interest groups. An interest group is a group trying to influence the government to make policies that can protect their interest. These groups are not only limited to citizens groups, but also businesses, corporations, universities, unions, and other institutions. There are many different kinds of interest groups in the U.S.to represent the interests of a large number of people. For example, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization represents the working people and focuses on improving their working conditions. Interest groups mainly serve as organizations to lobby the government, monitor government programs, and promote democracy. The common types of interest groups include economic and corporate groups, labor groups, professional associations, citizen groups, ideological groups, and public-Sector groups. Among the
The reasons behind this were the emergence of a set of political forces in American politics and the extensive governmental economic and social programs. The major strategies interest groups use to influence government are lobbying, using the court, mobilizing public opinion, and using electoral politics. More specifically, interest groups directly contact with the governmental and Congress officials, provide them with the information about their interests, and give them support. Sometimes, interest groups that are unable to have sufficient influence over policymaking bring suit to the courts. Also, many interest groups attempt to mobilize public opinion through advertising, demonstrations, and grassroots mobilization in order increase their influence over the government and Congress indirectly. Moreover, interest groups provide financial support to candidates and party committees in the electoral process to ensure that those who are elected will represent their