Interest groups are collections of individuals who share views on public policy issues and work to shape policy in their favor. They provide a way for citizens to influence government and have their voices heard. Interest groups lobby at all levels of government to advance their policy positions. While they can provide useful information and stimulate debate, some critics argue that large, well-funded groups may drown out others and push policies that do not benefit the public overall. The illegal activities of lobbyist Jack Abramoff also showed how some groups try to exert influence through improper means like bribery. There is an ongoing debate around whether interest groups overall help or harm democracy.