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During the process of developing policy there are several influencing factors. One influencing fact are interest group. Interest groups is the term used to describe a variety of organization that focus on a particular issue or issues and have the goal of influencing and educating policy makers.

It is important to note that interest groups do not make policies, yet they are formally organized associations that aim to influence public policy. In many situations interest group members control some field of activity or specialty that gives them a unique interest in the formulation and enactment of public policy.

Interest groups differ from political parties in that they do not run their own slate of candidates for political office. Interest groups are policy specialist, while political parties and politicians are policy generalist.

How interest groups attempt to influence policy is by lobbying, electioneering, litigation, and going public. Lobbyist represent organized groups and can be paid employees for an interest. Lobbyist focus much of their efforts in influencing members of congress by being a source of policy education, assisting a member of congress with political strategies or campaigning.

Electioneering involves helping candidates financially and mobilizing group members to support them. Major interest groups influence the electoral process by funneling money into the campaigns of their supporters.

If interest groups fail in Congress, the next step is to go to court in the hope of getting specific rulings through litigation. Many environmental and civil rights groups have successful used litigation to change existing policies.

Interest groups have also been successful with using public opinion to influence policies. Policy makers know public image plays a big role in Washington and with the voters. This practice has been a long practice in American politics.

In the healthcare field there are many types of interest groups, ranging from those who...