Discuss the difference between interest groups and political parties.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary. Interest groups are often policy specialists, whereas political parties are policy generalists. Political parties are broad-based organizations that must attract the support of many opposing groups and consider a large number of issues. Interest groups, in contrast, may have only a handful of key policies to promote. An environmental group, obviously, will not be as concerned about the economic status of Hispanics as it is about polluters. A manufacturing group is more involved with pushing for fewer regulations than it is with inner-city poverty.Interest groups are usually more tightly organized than political parties. They are often financed through contributions or dues-paying memberships. Organizers of interest groups communicate with members and potential members through conferences, mailings, newsletters, and electronic formats such as e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter.A political party's main sphere of influence is the electoral system. Parties run candidates for political office. Interest groups may try to influence the outcome of elections, but unlike parties, they do not compete for public office. Although a candidate for office may be sympathetic to-or even be a member of-a certain group, he or she does not run for election as a candidate of that group.