Define Interest Groups and Distinguish Between Economic and Non - Economic Interest Groups Nationwide and in California.

Interest group can be defined as an organized group of individuals sharing common objectives who actively attempt to influence policymakers. More than one hundred thousand interest groups at work in our society. Interest group works at various stages of policymaking process under government and is protected by First Amendment to the U.S. constitution. Our government encourages Americans to join and form interest groups to express their thoughts and opinions. In interest groups, all individuals play a vital role and everyone’s opinion is considered strong and powerful. Interest groups offer solidary, purposive material incentives to their members.

There are various types of interest groups; one of them is economic interest group.   The variety of economic interest groups represents America’s economy in one way or another. Even major sectors seek influence from economic groups in a field of agriculture, labor unions, government workers and professionals. Economic interest group is the largest category which represents big business such as U.S. chamber of Commerce and NAM. The members of Congress or the leaders of the group drafts legislation and policy initiatives and provide information to both government and the public. The goal of the economic group is to protect the economic well- being of the members of the group.

Other interest groups are business interest groups, agricultural interest groups, labor interest groups, interest groups of professionals, public interest groups, environmental groups, and other interest groups. We have different types of existing interest groups existing in society. We should join them as per our needs and whatever interests us the most. It doesn’t cost anything to be a member of an interest group because we are directly or indirectly a part of the interest group in a way. Interest groups are formed for the welfare of the citizens.