2. Influence the making and content of public
policy
Operate everywhere
3. Different
Nominations
Primary focus (policies vs. who)
Scope of their interests (interest groups are
concentrated)
Same
Unite for political purpose
4. Dangers against “factions”
Madison against but inevitable
Tocqueville
Likedinterest groups
Allowed people to get involved
5. Stimulate interest in public affairs
Represent shared attitudes of members
Provide specialized information to gov’t
Vehicles for political participation
Another aspect of check-and-balances
Limited in power by other groups
