Question

functions of interest group ( short explain )

1- participation

2- representation

3- political education

4-motivation

Answer 1

Ans) Interest group:

- An organization of people sharing common objectives who actively attempt to influence government policymakers through direct and indirect methods.

1) Participation:

- Interest groups provide an avenue for political participation by individuals.

- By volunteering time, being involved in the interest group, and contributing money, individuals can participate in collective power and voice to effect change.

- Interest groups educate the public about specific issues.

2) Representation:

- The representation function stems from the reason interest groups are created in the first place: Collective action is the most effective way of influencing policymaking and bringing issues to a large audience.

- Interest groups are concerned with maintaining and expanding their membership.

3) Political education:

- Interest groups work hard to educate the public at large, government officials, their own members, and potential interest group members. Mobilizing various publics.

- To influence policy-making, many groups rely on the efforts of people who are motivated to act on behalf of their issues and causes.

4) Motivation:

- Solidary incentives

• motivation to join an interest group based on the companionship and the satisfaction derived from socializing with others that it offers.
•ex. A person might join the sierra club because he/she wants to participate in activities with other people who enjoy hiking or care deeply about wilderness protection

- Purposive incentives

• Motivation to join an interest group based on the belief in the group's cause from an idealogical or moral standpoint
•ex. someone might want to join PETA because they strongly object to animal abuse and want to work with others to prevent cruelty to animals

- Economic incentives

•Motivation to join an interest group because the group works for policies that will provide members with material benefits
•ex. Many Americans over age 50 join AARP because of the discounts members receive on hotels, airfares, and car rentals