Similarities Between Interest Groups And Political Parties

7. Though there are similarities between interest group and political parties such as influencing political policy, interest groups do so outside the electoral process i.e. they don’t directly participate in elections but do endorse and fund (through Political Action Committees) the candidates. Political parties are limited in number and gain power through elections. Their membership also draws many interests of varying backgrounds, so they have a broader range of goals. Political parties also are responsible to the public due to being regulated while interest groups don’t. Interest groups have no limit in numbers and are narrower when it comes to membership. They are focused towards specific programs and issues and influence policies through
8. According to the Roskin (2017), interest groups use strategies such as approaching lawmakers, administration, judiciary, appealing to the public, demonstrations and violent protest. Violent protests are the reactions of a group of people who believe conventional political channels are useless. These protests are used to force the government’s hands to meet the demands of a group who have a psychological buildup from poverty, discrimination, frustration and feelings of injustice (Roskin). They can be effective only if the Government cares enough to stop the violence. Example, riots after police shootings of unarmed people. Demonstrations are used to publicize a cause inexpensively and are becoming increasingly effective through social media. Example, the civil right movements by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr (Roskin). Interest groups understand the importance of public image and go out of their way to highlight what they contribute and how they are good for the public. Example, the gasoline lobby discussed why environmental restrictions work against building new refineries (Roskin). Interest