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Popular Participation: Exercise 2 - Types and activities of interest groups


Instructions: Read the passage and click on the correct answer. If wrong, try again. Scroll down if you do not see the Answer box.
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Interest Groups

     Interest groups, also called special interest groups, are groups of people who share interests (concerns) and views. They try to influence government policy (government plan of action) to benefit the concerns of their group. Interest groups range from large, well-funded national organizations, such as the National Rifle Association (NRA), to small groups with very limited funds, such as Community Garden groups. All types of organizations form interest groups to present and promote their needs to the government. Interest groups support candidates for public office and try to influence public opinion. There are interest groups for businesses, labor, agriculture, consumers, religious and ethnic groups, as well as for people concerned about specific issues, such as the environment. Many people believe that the best way to influence government is through the activities of interest groups.

     Some interest groups are represented by lobbyists. Lobbyists are people who actively promote specific policies to protect and advance members' interests. Lobbyists try to influence government officials to support programs and vote for bills that will benefit the interest group the lobbyist represents.

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