Special interest groups, by definition, are organized groups of individuals working together to shape public policy, usually for a specific or exclusive benefit for its members. The National Rifle Association (NRA) (2005), for example, has an "Institute for Legislative Action (ILA), which is the 'lobbying' arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is committed to preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution" (NRA).
Opposing the NRA is the Brady Campaign and the Brady Center, combined, is a national non-profit special interest group seeking to increase gun control. "The Brady Campaign works to enact and enforce sensible gun laws, regulations and public policies through grassroots activism, electing pro-gun control public officials and increasing public awareness of gun violence. The Brady Center (2005) works to reform the gun industry and educate the public about gun violence through litigation and grassroots mobilization, and works to enact and enforce sensible regulations to reduce gun violence including regulations governing the gun industry" (Brady Center). Both the NRA and the Brady Campaign have very different policy goals both relating to guns in America and they seek to shape public opinion, federal and state legislation to realize their goals.
Special interest groups are often organized much like businesses, with much of their revenue coming from membership dues, private donations and corporate donations. Because they maintain a budget, special interest groups are able to execute marketing campaigns to help garner interest and support for their particular policy area. Because of this organization and the ability to market and reach a wide audience, interest groups tend to be more effective than individuals in spreading their message.
What makes special interest groups...