While many fear the presence of well organized, self-interested groups, the fact remains that these groups are an essential link between the public and policy makers. Chapter 12 focuses on the types of interest groups found in the United States, the characteristics and strategies of these groups, and the regulations that govern interest group activity. Finally, the chapter attempts to assess the impact of interest groups on society and the American approach to democracy. In recent decades the number of interest groups has grown dramatically. Reasons for this growth include an impetus in government toward accelerated regulation of society, an increase in groups seeking policy goals, legislation that both requires and funds citizen participation, campaign finance laws, and increasing income and education levels.
Interest groups allow for collective action by citizens and provide information for policy makers.
There are four main categories of interest groups. First, there are economic organizations such as business, labor, and farmers. Second, there are the public interest groups that claim to speak for the average citizen and the collective good. Third, are the government groups such as departments and agencies that compete for funds, attention, and policy goals. Finally, there is a plethora of groups engaged in ideological, single-issue, civil rights, and religious battles.