Differences Between Interest Groups And Political Parties

Interest groups and political parties play a significant part in the political system. However, interest groups and political parties differ in their objectives and goals. The fundamental goal of interest groups is changing laws. With a particular interest in an issue, interest groups attempt to change the law by trying to influence public policy. Interest groups wish to see their interests incorporated in the government.

The fundamental goal of major political parties is the election of its members to office. The political parties strive to secure the elective office for their people to have their parties’ interests heard. In doing so, political parties wish to gain the control of government. Through the election of office, the political party hopes to have the elected member of the party carry out political agenda related to the party’s interest.

There are ways for interest groups to support fundamental goal of political parties.

One way for the groups to support political parties’ goal is the mobilization of people. Interest groups generally gather people with common interest. Through activities such as the grassroots movement, interest groups raise awareness of a specific issue. During the process, interest groups can endorse a candidate from a political party that has the same beliefs as the interest groups do, extending the number of supporters of the political party

immensely.

Another way for interest groups to help the fundamental goal of political parties is through monetary contributions. Since the process of running for office often costs exorbitant amount of

money, the interest groups can be a large help. Also, the largest part of cost for the candidates running for office in political parties is the political campaigns. Moreover, interest groups participate in media campaign as well. Thus, interest groups help political parties through helping in the form of money and activities, reducing the burden of the expensive and complicated process of running for office.

The aforementioned method of monetary contribution aims to help interest groups to achieve their fundamental goal as well. First, through the process, interest groups can influence policymakers. Secondly, the interest groups can affect these policymakers to make legislation that supports the goal of the interest group. The previously mentioned method of participating in media campaigns also help interest groups. The media campaigns help the interest groups to raise awareness on the particular subject matter they are concerned with. By raising awareness, interest groups can gain momentum on the issue, impacting policymaking as well. Hence, the methods by interest groups to help political parties can also be a help to themselves as well.

Interest groups and political parties are alike in that they significantly affect the United States political system. However, they are also different in their fundamental goals in the political process. Interest groups seek to have their interests implemented in governmental legislations whereas political parties seek to have their candidates win elections. In the political process, there are forms of support interest groups engage in to help political parties pursue their goals. During the process, such forms of support also helps interest groups to achieve their goals as well.