How do interest groups differ from political parties?
Interest groups claim to be independent of political parties and often have a very narrow focus. Likewise, the money they receive is given by individuals and companies that have an interest in the subjects the interest group tries to influence. On the face of it, no politician running for office runs in the name of any interest group. Political parties represent a group of interests, very diverse and sometimes in conflict. The purpose of political parties is to get politicians elected to office because the selected politician seems to be the best one to represent and advance the diverse group of interests which supporters of the political party support, thus more directly connected to both the voting public and the offices held by elected officials. Special interest groups are not highly regulated and often not transparent. Political parties are subject to greater regulation and are more transparent.
