Interest Groups, Essay Example

An interest group is a group of like-minded individuals who strive for a certain agenda. The primary focus of any interest group is to transform the policies of the government in favor of their issues. The characteristics of an interest group include the agitation of policy oriented appeals to the government. These groups focus more on the policies by the government rather than the personnel. Interest groups can also be characterized by their concern of personal interests. These are the interests which benefit the group only. These groups use the evils of fraction where their interests are paramount to those of the general community (Kennith, 1999, p.66). Interest groups are issue oriented and aim or lobby for specific issues. These groups depend on their supporters for existence and are maintained continuously by the members.

The reason to why some interest groups are stronger than others is that these stronger groups have good financial structure that can support its activities. These groups also agitate for specific policy implementations that have widespread interest in the community. These groups are also strong because their members benefit from direct social and economical gains as a result of the groups activities. The strength of an interest group relies on the leadership structure of the group and its leaders. The cause lobbied by the group is determinant in its strength more so of the issue has strong support. The relationship between the group and the policy making bodies also plays an essential role in the strength of the group. Interest groups with a good relationship with these decision making bodies are stronger since most of their issues are addressed in accordance with their desires. The media is also crucial the strengthening of a group where a publicized group gains more support compared to a non-publicized group.

Reference

Kennith, G. H. (1999). Interest Groups and State Economic Development Policies. Greenwood Publishing Group.