Issues usually come about because a special interest group or individual expose it as a social problem that is significantly affecting society. Cobb and Elder ask what makes an issue or rather who brings these issues to the attention of the public.
Interest groups are the ones that educate the American public about political issues.
With their advocacy efforts, publications and public campaigns, interest groups can make people better aware of both policy problems and proposed solutions. An inherent trait in interest groups is that they present only their side of the issues to the public. Basically you have four types of groups or individuals who get involved with issues. They want to readjust the distribution of resources because they feel the resources are unfairly located. The exploiter, does just that, exploits an issue for his own personal gains.