Legal Definitions - special-interest group

A special-interest group is an organized collection of individuals or entities that works to influence government decisions, legislation, or public policy in a way that benefits its specific cause, industry, or members.

These groups often engage in activities like lobbying elected officials, running public awareness campaigns, or providing research to policymakers to advocate for their particular viewpoint or agenda.

• Example 1: A National Association of Home Builders

  This association, representing companies involved in residential construction, might lobby Congress to pass legislation that streamlines the permitting process for new housing developments or to offer tax incentives for first-time homebuyers. This illustrates a special-interest group because it's an organized body (the association) advocating for government policies (streamlined permits, tax incentives) that directly benefit its specific industry (home building) and its members.

• Example 2: A Non-Profit Advocating for Environmental Conservation

  An organization dedicated to protecting endangered species might campaign for stricter environmental regulations, push for the creation of new national parks, or oppose development projects in sensitive ecosystems. This is a special-interest group because it's an organized entity focused on influencing government policy (regulations, land use) to advance a particular social and environmental cause (conservation).

• Example 3: A Labor Union Representing Public School Teachers

  This union might engage with state legislatures to advocate for increased funding for public education, better teacher salaries, or specific curriculum standards. It exemplifies a special-interest group because it's an organized body representing a specific professional group (teachers) that seeks to influence government decisions (funding, salaries, curriculum) to benefit its members and their profession.