interestgroup

An interest group, also called a pressure group or advocacy group, is an organized association of individuals formed to influence public policy and government decisions without seeking elected office themselves. Interest groups typically focus on specific issues, sectors, or constituencies and seek to represent their members' preferences to lawmakers, the public, and the media. They operate by providing information, building coalitions, and mobilizing members or supporters.

They differ from political parties in that they do not nominate candidates or aim to form a government; instead they seek to influence the policy process from within or alongside other actors. Common types include economic groups (business associations, industry lobbies, labor unions), professional associations, citizen or public-interest groups, ideological or religious organizations, and single-issue groups.

Key activities include lobbying policymakers, conducting policy research and analysis, drafting proposals, testifying at hearings, and running public campaigns or grassroots actions. Some groups also engage in litigation or strategic lawsuits to advance their objectives. Funding structures vary but often rely on membership dues, donations, sponsorship by member organizations, and, in some cases, corporate funding, all subject to legal oversight. Many interest groups maintain formal leadership, staff, and local chapters to coordinate efforts.

In the policy process, interest groups aim to articulate preferences, supply expertise, and help form advocacy coalitions. They can enhance representation and information flow but may also raise concerns about unequal access, unequal influence, or the risk of policy capture by wealthy actors. Regulatory frameworks for lobbying exist in many democracies and typically require registration, disclosure of expenditures, and monitoring of activity.