Which of the Following Best Describes the Relationship of Interest

Which of the following best describes the relationship of interest groups to political candidates and elections?

A) Interest groups represent the primary funding mechanism for political parties.
B) Interest groups are de facto political parties in that their functions are identical.
C) Interest groups do not field candidates but have a vested interest in political parties, their candidates, and electoral outcomes, whereas political parties are created in order to field candidates for elective office and to influence policy development.
D) Interest groups and political parties are mutually exclusive as their purposes and motives are opposites.
E) Interest groups are strictly regulated by law, whereas political parties have little or no restrictions.