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They can often push their beliefs upon people, which does not always agree with the interest of all Americans.
Interest Group Critics claim these certain remarks:
1. Some groups have an influence larger than their population or importance to the public good; groups more organized and with more $$$ have a larger advantage.
2. It can be difficult determining the true size of a group, as many have titles that suggest they have thousands on their sides (ex. "The American Citizens Committee for..").
3. Numerous groups don't fully represent the values of EVERY member, but only one activist that makes the decisions.
4. The tactics some groups use would undermine the whole political system if became widespread (bribery, over threats of revenge, etc.).

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1. Raise interest in public affairs, favoring or opposing policies that are for/against their interests.
2. Represent their members based on opinions and thoughts vs their location.
3. Often provide useful, specialized, and detailed information to the government., helping in the creation of public policies.
4. Are 'vehicles' for political participation; all those in the group join together to help one another's organization.
5. Add another element to the checks-and-balances feature of political process; help make sure public agencies/officials perform their tasks responsibly and respectfully
6. Regularly compete with one another in the public arena, in attempts to improve.

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In 1787, James Madison was against these groups, naming it "factions". Despite not being in favor of the groups, he was opposed to abolishing the groups as it is their freedom of speech.
Nearly 50 years later, touring Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville was impressed by interest groups he found in the United States.

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How Political Parties & Interest Groups Differ

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How Political Parties & Interest Groups Differ

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1. Parties nominate their candidates for their public office; interest groups don't.
2. Political parties are interested in winning elections & controlling the govt.; Interest groups are more concerned with controlling/influencing the policies of the govt.
3. Parties focus mainly on the whole range of public affairs (everything concerning the voter); interest groups focus on only issues that most directly affect the member's interests.
4. Parties are accountable to the public; interest groups are private organizations.

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Interest groups exist to shape public policy, operating wherever the policies are made/can be influenced. No matter the names they have been given ("pressure groups", "organized interests"), these groups seek to influence the making/content of public policies.

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A private organization that attempts to persuade public officials to respond to the shared attitudes of its members.
An interest group is an effective way Americans gain the govt.'s attention for their needs/wants.