Interest Groups and Political Parties

Interest Groups and Political Parties

The democratic process engages individuals in different ways and for diverse reasons. The American political system depends on the involvement of citizens in the direct political process. The voice of the people is heard through the indirect processes associated with interest groups, and through elected officials. This duality is maintained by having interest groups and political parties. While their focus is different, they are part of the same machine, which dispenses and controls power.

Interest groups are "an organized body of individuals who share some goals and who try to influence public policy" (qtd. In Hays). This definition suggest that there are three clear characteristics of interest groups they are organized, the members share some common goals and they exist to influence public policy. The reason interest groups exist then is to influence public policy on specific issues. One way this is accomplished is by lobbying elected officials who vote on policy. The larger a group's membership the more powerful the group is, as it presents a threat of having its members vote against the elected leader.

The interest group has two primary functions, representation of the interests of the members of the interest group, and education. Through representation, interest groups, leverage collective action. Through collective action the group has the ability to get its concerns acknowledged and laws made or removed that pertain to its interest. As a companion to representation, the group may engage in scrutiny of the actions of the courts or congress. They give direct attention to legislation or court actions that may be related to their particular interest.

The group also serves as a medium of education for their members and the public. Members are kept informed of the most recent developments of the issues that are of concern to them. The interest group acts to dispel misinformation and ensure that the facts about an issue remain clear for as long as possible.

Schlesinger defines a political party as a "group organized to gain control of government in the name of the group by winning election to public office" (1153). This is different to an interest group who wishes to influence public policy. A political party wants to control the government and therefore create policy. Additionally, the members of the political party are focused on winning an "election to public office" as the mechanism to getting power. The political party will present members of the party as candidates for election.

Political parties perform many functions and the most dominant will be briefly discussed. Political parties provide a mechanism through which individuals can participate in a myriad of activities that are political in nature. They bring together persons with similar concerns and ideologies to duel against others, for control of political power. This organizing of the political conflict is an important function of a political party.