Interest Groups Vs. Political Parties

For the chapter nine discussion board, I am choosing to answer question number 2. This question is in regards to either joining a political party, or an interest group. The book's definition of a Political Party is as follows, “A political party is an ongoing coalition of interests joined together in an effort to get is candidates for public office elected under common label.” Political parties tend to have a wide array of views of different issues. The book’s definition of a Interest group is as follows, “ An interest group-also called a “faction,” “pressure group,” “ special interest,” or “organized interest- can be defined as any organization that actively seeks to influence public policy.” When it comes to interest groups they want to sharpen
an issues in an effort to try to promote a position on a specific issue. There are any differences and similarities between a political party and an interest group. A similarity is that both political party and an interest group serve a purpose within the government, which is an important role. Both political parties and an interest group are organized groups of people which are working towards a specific goal in the government. They both serve to advertise politicians and both want to raise money in order to reach their goal.
When it comes to differences between a political party and an interest group their purpose within the government differs. It is said that interest groups do not want to operate the government, they do not put their political candidates forth. Interest groups do support candidates who are willing to advertise their interests. It is said that political groups tend to blur their position on an issue. By what I have read a political party is more broad than an interest group, so I think that I would rather join a political party than an interest group. Some advantages of a political party is that they are said to help establish order as they are essentially seen as governing bodies. Another advantage of a political party is that voters have the opportunity to speak their mind about governing parties that are seeking to rule the country. An advantage of an interest groups is that they tend to promote democracy and they offer a positive solutions to issues. A disadvantage of a political party is that their sometimes may be a lack of equality within some of the political parties. A disadvantage to an interest group is that they often look at things from only the perspective of minority
groups. Another disadvantages is that they often cause criminal activities because they need money and this can lead to fraud within the interest group. Interest groups often channel their activities through party politics in order to accomplish their and they do this by lobbying representatives to help their cause.