The Nature of Interest Groups Chapter 9, sec 1

Interest Groups Differ From Political Parties in Several Ways Interest groups do not nominate candidates. Interest groups want to influence or control government policies. Political parties want to control government itself. Interest groups concentrate on one issue. Political parties are interested in many issues of public concern.

Interest Groups Have Historically Been Regarded With Suspicion James Madison warned against uncontrolled “factions” that might conflict with the community’s interests. Madison hoped to moderate the power of interest groups through a balance of power so that no faction would become dominant.

Interest Groups Fulfill Many Functions in American Society Interest groups help stimulate interest in public affairs. Interest groups represent their members based on shared attitudes rather than shared geography. Interest groups provide specialized information to government agencies.

Interest Groups Fulfill Many Functions in American Society Interest groups are vehicles for political participation. Interest groups provide additional checks and balances to the system. Interest groups compete with one another in the public arena.

Interest Groups Pose Problems Have influence far out of proportion to their membership Hard to tell how many people an interest group truly represents Many interest groups do not really represent the views of all the people for whom they claim to speak. Some groups use unfair or illegal tactics