How many interest groups are there in america

Some groups act on behalf of business in general. The U. Chamber of Commerce, for example, seeks pro-business policies in general, not just policies that help one part of the economy. Because they are usually well funded, business groups tend to be very influential. They work to promote the interests of private companies and corporations by seeking tax cuts, regulatory changes, and other pro-business benefits. Business groups do not always agree with one another, however.

What benefits one industry may harm another, so advocates for those industries quite often work against one another. Labor groups represent unions, which work to increase wages and improve working conditions for both skilled and unskilled workers.

In an equal degree does the increased variety of parties comprised within the Union, increase this security. Does it, in fine, consist in the greater obstacles opposed to the concert and accomplishment of the secret wishes of an unjust and interested majority?

Here, again, the extent of the Union gives it the most palpable advantage. The influence of factious leaders may kindle a flame within their particular States, but will be unable to spread a general conflagration through the other States. A religious sect may degenerate into a political faction in a part of the Confederacy; but the variety of sects dispersed over the entire face of it must secure the national councils against any danger from that source.

A rage for paper money, for an abolition of debts, for an equal division of property, or for any other improper or wicked project, will be less apt to pervade the whole body of the Union than a particular member of it; in the same proportion as such a malady is more likely to taint a particular county or district, than an entire State. In the extent and proper structure of the Union, therefore, we behold a republican remedy for the diseases most incident to republican government.

And according to the degree of pleasure and pride we feel in being republicans, ought to be our zeal in cherishing the spirit and supporting the character of Federalists. William T. TBS is an active interest group advocating on behalf of the protection of Eastern Bluebirds and their habitat. Credit: Jeff Hoag at Photo. Definitions abound when it comes to interest groups, which are sometimes referred to as special interests, interest organizations, pressure groups, or just interests.

This influence is advocacy. People translate opinion into advocacy. They may speak to a friend or co-worker and eventually form a group with this shared interest in influencing others. If advocacy attempts are successful, other individuals, groups, legislators, etc. Often, this influence is exercised by a lobbyist or a lobbying firm. Formally, a lobbyist is someone who represents the interest organization before government, is usually compensated for doing so, and is required to register with the government in which he or she lobbies, whether state or federal.

Most interest organizations engage in lobbying activity to achieve their objectives. As you might expect, the interest hires a lobbyist, employs one internally, or has a member volunteer to lobby on its behalf.

For present purposes, we might restrict our definition to the relatively broad one in the Lobbying Disclosure Act. Moreover, campaign finance laws require disclosure of campaign contributions given to political candidates by organizations.

Visit this site to research donations and campaign contributions given to political candidates by organizations. Lobbying is not limited to Washington, DC, however, and many interests lobby there as well as in one or more states. Each state has its own laws describing which individuals and entities must register, so the definitions of lobbyists and interests, and of what lobbying is and who must register to do it, also vary from state to state. Therefore, while a citizen contacting a lawmaker to discuss an issue is generally not viewed as lobbying, an organization that devotes a certain amount of time and resources to contacting lawmakers may be classified as lobbying, depending on local, state, or federal law.

Largely for this reason, there is no comprehensive list of all interest groups to tell us how many there are in the United States. Estimates of the number vary widely, suggesting that if we use a broad definition and include all interests at all levels of government, there may be more than , Political scientists have categorized interest groups in a number of ways.

Membership groups often consist of people who have common issues or concerns, or who want to be with others who share their views. For those who advocate greater regulation of access to firearms, such as background checks prior to gun purchases, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence is a membership organization that weighs in on the other side of the issue. In addition to membership organizations, companies and corporate entities and governments may themselves have a compelling interest to be represented in front of one or more branches of government.

For example, Verizon and Coca-Cola will register to lobby in order to influence policy in a way that benefits them. A governmental institution, such as a state government, a county, or a municipality may also be represented by a legislative liaison , whose job it is to present issues to other governmental decision makers. Interest groups also include association s , which are typically groups of institutions that join with others, often within the same trade or industry trade associations , and have similar concerns.

The logic is that there is strength in numbers, and if members can lobby for tax breaks or eased regulations for an entire industry, they may all benefit. These common goals do not, however, prevent individual association members from employing in-house lobbyists or contract lobbying firms to represent their own business or organization as well.

Indeed, many members of associations are competitors who also seek representation individually before the legislature. Visit the website of an association like the American Beverage Association or the American Bankers Association and look over the key issues it addresses.

Do any of the issues it cares about surprise you? What areas do you think members can agree about? The Sierra Club Works to protect communities, wild places, and the planet itself. Veterans of Foreign Wars Fights for veretans' rights. It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older.

This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results. Close navigation Home. Library Services. Get Help. Perhaps best known is the League of Women Voters, which promotes simplified voting procedures and an informed electorate, and Common Cause, which backs more effective government.

Common Cause is a strong critic of other interest groups for their excessive campaign contributions, and it lobbies for campaign finance reform. Given the structure of our federal system, it is not surprising that there are organizations to bring the issues of local and state government before Congress and the administration.

One critical task performed by these groups is to help state and local governments get federal grants. These funds are important because they are a central means in which states get back money taken away through federal taxes.

As the budget has tightened and as more Republicans have won governorships, these groups have become more likely to seek more local control over policies instead of more cash. The separation of church and state does not preclude religious interest groups from lobbying; indeed, it is safe to say that all religious groups are involved in politics to some degree. The Christian Coalition, which draws most of its support from conservative Protestants, has an agenda that includes support for school prayer, opposition to homosexual rights, and a constitutional amendment banning abortion.

It became an important factor in American politics, particularly in the Republican party, in the early s. Their concerns involve more than civil rights, however, and encompass social welfare, immigration policy, affirmative action, a variety of gender issues, and political action.