An interest group is best defined as an organization:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An interest group is an organization that advocates for particular policies, issues or causes on behalf of a constituency. These groups seek to influence public policy by trying to persuade lawmakers to support their positions or by mobilizing public opinion in their favor. Interest groups represent a variety of interests, from labor unions to business associations to issue-based groups such as environmental organizations. While some interest groups may have narrow or self-interested goals, many represent wider constituencies and seek to advance the common good. Choice A is incorrect because interest groups may support candidates for office, but this is not their primary function. Choice B is incorrect because interest groups may watchdog government, but this is a secondary function to their primary function of influencing public policy. Choice D is incorrect because interest groups may represent diverse interests, but this is not a defining characteristic. Choice E is incorrect because it is a gross oversimplification that does not accurately describe the vast majority of interest groups.

An Interest Group Is Best Defined as an Organization